The Metropolitan Police has released images of 14 individuals they are seeking to identify in connection with alleged hate crimes during two rival protests in central London on Saturday, May 16.
The protests included Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom march and the pro-Palestine Nakba 78 rally and counter march against the far right. On the day, 43 arrests were made.
So far, five people have been charged, and police continue to investigate other offences, including 20 alleged hate crimes. Some cases involving chanting may involve multiple suspects. Offences under investigation include chants of 'globalise the intifada' or other references to 'intifada' in chanting or on placards, as well as directing chants at Jewish groups calling them Nazis.
Other alleged offences include placards or shouting slogans with anti-Muslim abuse, homophobic slurs towards officers or other protesters, making threats to kill, specific threats against prominent politicians, and engaging in anti-Semitic conspiracy theories designed to stir up religious hatred.
Police Appeal for Public Help
Met Police Chief Superintendent Clair Haynes, who commanded the policing operation on May 16, said: “We have always said that the policing of protest doesn’t stop when everyone goes home. There are often many more protesters than there are officers at these events, which combined with the scale of the crowds means it is impossible for every offence to be seen and dealt with in the moment.
“Detectives from our Public Order Crime Team painstakingly review footage from events to spot offences and identify those they believe to be involved. The footage and images are compared against police databases using retrospective facial recognition technology, but where we are unable to find a match we will turn to the public for their help.
“I’d urge anyone who recognises someone in the 14 photos released today to come forward, that includes anyone who recognises themselves. Our officers need to speak to you.”
Charges Laid So Far
The following five people have been charged with offences on May 16:
- Stuart Adams, 49, of Aberconway Road, Merton was arrested at the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence for racially abusive remarks directed at a police officer. He was remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 18, where he indicated a guilty plea. The case was adjourned for sentencing at the same court on Tuesday, June 16, but Adams did not appear and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
- Dara Harbison, 26, of Netherfield Green, Brighton was arrested at the Nakba protest. She has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker for allegedly spraying paint at an officer, as well as criminal damage and possession of cannabis. She will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 6.
- Jack Robson, 18, of Woodlands Road, Derby was arrested at the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence for allegedly shouting anti-Muslim abuse, and with possession of cannabis. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 10.
- Gareth Kirtley, 44, of Stanningley Road, Leeds, was arrested at the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a public order offence for allegedly shouting homophobic abuse towards a police officer. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 17.
- Marcus Bere, 24, of Woodlands Avenue, Hillingdon was arrested following the Unite the Kingdom protest. He was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence for allegedly shouting anti-Muslim abuse. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 22.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101, providing the reference 4696/17JUN and the specific reference number shown on the corner of the relevant image.
