UK far-right clash with police at anti-Islam London rally

Thousands of far-right protesters clashed with police in London on Saturday, following a violent demonstration in support of Tommy Robinson, the jailed founder of the anti-Islam English Defence League (EDL).

Thousands of far-right protesters clashed with police in London on Saturday, following a violent demonstration in support of Tommy Robinson, the jailed founder of the anti-Islam English Defence League (EDL).

Bottles and other objects were thrown at police, who retreated from side-streets after being overwhelmed by an angry mob in the UK capital who tried to reach the prime minister’s residence. 

Five people were arrested, while five officers were injured, during the melee between protesters and police. 

“There were scenes of violence which saw bottles, metal barriers and other objects thrown at officers,” London’s Metropolitan police said. 

EDL supporters took the streets to call for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson. 

He was jailed last month for livestreaming outside a child sexual exploitation trial, despite repeated warnings by judges. 

His supporters were joined by far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders, who has courted controversy in the Netherlands for his anti-Muslim policies and rhetoric.