Tens of thousands of people without face masks marched in central London to protest recent coronavirus-related measures taken by the authorities. Chanting "freedom" and holding placards reading "Medical apartheid is wrong," "No to vaccine passports" and "This is Tyranny," the protesters took to the streets in open defiance of coronavirus rules still in place and Metropolitan Police advising people not to attend any large gatherings.
"Eight officers were injured as they worked to disperse crowds in Hyde Park this evening. Missiles including bottles were thrown in small pockets of disorder. Two officers were taken to hospital. Thankfully, they are not believed to be seriously injured," the police tweeted late on Saturday.
The authorities added that five people were arrested for offenses, including assault on police.