Metropolitan Police officers were deployed to manage a protest outside a north London prison on New Year's Eve, resulting in a number of arrests after demonstrators breached imposed conditions.
Protest Breaches Conditions Leading to Arrests
The incident occurred outside HMP Pentonville in Islington on the evening of Wednesday, 31 December. Police had set conditions under the Public Order Act, requiring the protest group to remain within a designated area outside the prison gates.
However, at approximately 9pm, a segment of the group attempted to leave the area and initiate a march. This action directly contravened the legally established conditions, prompting an immediate police response.
Police Response and Dispersal
Officers intervened to prevent the unauthorised march from proceeding. A number of individuals were arrested at the scene for breaching the Public Order Act conditions.
Following the police action, the remaining protesters complied with instructions and returned to the conditioned area. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the protest later dispersed of its own accord.
Aftermath and Ongoing Vigilance
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "The protest outside HMP Pentonville has now dispersed. All roads are fully open with traffic moving freely."
The force also noted that officers would remain vigilant for any spontaneous protest activity elsewhere in central London as New Year's Eve celebrations continued. The situation at the prison site was resolved without further incident, and no additional arrests were reported beyond those made during the initial breach.
