Part of the Tower of London was temporarily closed on Saturday after protesters threw apple crumble and custard at a display case containing the crown jewels. Four people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following the incident, which was claimed by the civil-resistance group Take Back Power.
The group said the action was a protest against inequality in the UK, demanding the government establish a permanent citizens' assembly with the power to tax extreme wealth. Footage showed one demonstrator slamming a foil tray of crumble against the glass protecting the imperial state crown, while another poured custard on the case.
Scotland Yard said officers were called at 09:48 on Saturday to reports of criminal damage. Two protesters left the scene but all four were later arrested and taken into custody. The Jewel House was closed during the police investigation but reopened later that afternoon.
Historic Royal Palaces confirmed the crown jewels were not damaged. The group named one activist as 19-year-old Zahra Ali, a student from London, who said: 'Our country is crumbling before our eyes... It's time the ultra-rich pay their fair share.'
