Countdown presenter Rachel Riley photographed people waving Palestinian flags in west London on Saturday night. Photo: Rachel Riley
The Metropolitan Police has vowed to have «zero tolerance» for criminal behavior supporting attacks on Israel.
Scotland Yard said it had stepped up patrols in sensitive areas of London over the weekend and warned everyone who was caught breaking the law. will be arrested.
The comments came after a series of incidents in which people appeared to celebrate the attacks and show public support for Hamas, a banned terrorist organization.
The Met confirmed officers were present on a number of incidents brought to their attention, but said the issues were resolved without any arrests.
Acton, half an hour ago.
We went to a cafe to drink baklava with the children and our Ukrainian friends.
People were brutally killed, kidnapped, and in London people are dancing.
Just been a reassuring call to the police, if someone is scared, call them. https://t.co/fYjXn4zEDF pic.twitter.com/dQjcAsRyDS
— Rachel Riley MBE 💙 (@RachelRileyRR) October 7, 2023
Earlier on Sunday, Suella Braverman, the home secretary, called on police to “use the full force of the law” against anyone showing support for Hamas.
The group was banned as a terrorist organization in Britain. This means anyone can be prosecuted for wearing clothing or carrying items in public, such as flags, that «raise reasonable suspicion» that they support a group. Anyone found guilty faces up to 10 years in prison.
Andy Valentine, the Met's deputy assistant commissioner, said: «We recognize that this conflict has far-reaching consequences for communities around the world and we provide our full support to those affected in London.»
«We are listening to and work with communities and partners to make people feel safe and protected. We ask members of the public to report anything that concerns them, such as threatening behaviour.
“We know that a number of demonstrations and protests are planned. We have spoken with the organizers and hope that everything will go peacefully. However, we will have zero tolerance for any activity that crosses the line into crime.»
A Planned in the coming days a number of demonstrations, including a «Party for Israel» at 5pm on Monday outside Downing Street and a «Stop the War» protest outside the Israeli Embassy at 6pm.
A Met spokesman said: «We We are in contact with the organizers of these protests and have an appropriate policing plan in place that balances the right to lawful protest against any disruption to Londoners' lives.
“Although officers will be there primarily to ensure a peaceful passage protests, we will make arrests if criminal offenses are suspected.
“As part of increased policing in key areas of London, we have contacted synagogues, mosques and businesses to discuss their concerns and provide advice on how to security.»
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