Two hurt in anti-austerity protest in London
A police officer and a member of police staff are being treated in hospital after being injured during an anti-austerity campaign against the new Tory Government in the UK.
The pair were part of a large police presence at the ongoing protest which began outside Conservative headquarters and moved to outside Downing Street in London today.
The Women of World War II monument in Whitehall was also damaged, just yards from where a concert to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day was due to take place.
Scotland Yard said four people had been arrested for public order offences.
A police statement said: “Police in Westminster are currently facilitating an unplanned anti-austerity protest outside Downing Street.
“One police officer and one member of police staff have been injured policing this protest.
“Both are being treated in hospital. The officer is being treated for a suspected dislocated shoulder. The member of police staff is being treated for a cut lip after being struck by an object.
“Officers are working to minimise disruption to all road users and members of the public passing through the area.”
Protesters took to the streets in anger at the new Conservative Government in England, just a day after David Cameron claimed victory at the ballot boxes.
And in Cardiff, anti-Conservative protesters made their feelings known at a 200-strong rally at the Aneurin Bevan statue in Queen Street.
Former pop singer and opera star Charlotte Church was among those taking part.
She was pictured with a placard which read: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more.”
