Sixteen individuals have been arrested after a significant protest brought a key area of London's financial heart to a standstill. The demonstration, organised by a pro-Palestine group, targeted Canary Wharf during the busy evening rush hour.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to the scene at approximately 5:15 PM on Wednesday to reports of a large group obstructing the highway. The protesters had gathered on the A3211, a major thoroughfare running through the district, causing severe disruption to traffic and commuters.
Officers from the Met's Public Order Command unit attended the scene. The force stated that their priority was to restore order and minimise disruption as quickly as possible. After warnings were issued to the group to disperse, police moved in to make arrests.
All 16 individuals were arrested on suspicion of wilful obstruction of the highway, a charge often used in such demonstrations. They were taken into custody at a central London police station for processing and questioning.
The protest was organised by a group calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The demonstration was part of a series of actions aimed at drawing attention to their cause by targeting economic and financial centres.
By 6:30 PM, police had successfully cleared the road and traffic was beginning to flow normally again. The Met has stated that a 'robust policing plan' remains in place for any further planned demonstrations in the city.
