Four individuals have been arrested following an incident at the Tower of London where a display case containing the Crown Jewels was targeted. The historic attraction was forced to close to the public as a police investigation got underway.
Protesters Target Imperial State Crown
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 6, 2025, shortly before 10am. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called to the scene at 09:48am following reports of criminal damage to a case holding the Imperial State Crown. Officers from the Met worked alongside the City of London Police and on-site security teams.
According to reports, four protesters threw a suspected food substance at the protective case. Two of the individuals then attempted to leave the scene. The substance was later claimed by a protest group to be "crumble and custard." All four suspects were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into police custody.
Temporary Closure and Group's Claim
The Tower of London, one of the UK's most popular tourist attractions, was closed to the public as a direct result of the incident. Authorities stated this was a temporary measure to allow them to manage the scene and gather evidence for their investigation.
A group calling itself "Take Back Power" claimed responsibility for the action. They described themselves as a non-violent civil resistance group. In a statement, they said they had "smothered dessert over the crown jewels" and shared an image showing two people holding a flag with the message, "Democracy has crumbled - tax the rich."
Ongoing Police Investigation
The police investigation remains active as authorities assess the full extent of the damage to the display case. The focus is on securing the scene and interviewing those in custody. There has been no initial indication that the priceless Crown Jewels themselves were physically damaged, with the protest seemingly aimed at the case surrounding them.
The swift response from the Metropolitan and City of London police ensured the situation was brought under control rapidly. The closure caused significant disruption for visitors, with no immediate word on when the Tower will fully reopen to the public.
