Arrests and injuries after protest outside Iranian embassy in Kensington

An Iranian embassy protest in Kensington ended in multiple arrests on Friday night after disorder broke out outside the diplomatic building near Exhibition Road, leaving police officers injured and several people taken to hospital.

The Metropolitan Police said 14 people were arrested during the protest, with offences including violent disorder, assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage, and trespass on diplomatic premises. Four people were taken to hospital, while several officers suffered minor injuries.

The incident escalated when one protester climbed across neighbouring balconies to access the embassy’s upper terraces and remove a flag. He was detained by officers and remains in custody on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property, and assaulting police.

Police said a group of demonstrators attempted to prevent the man’s arrest, prompting officers to use dispersal tactics to regain control of the area and prevent further disorder at the Iranian embassy.

A Section 35 dispersal order was imposed outside the embassy as officers sought to restore calm in the surrounding streets, which are home to several diplomatic missions and residential properties in Kensington and Chelsea.

The London Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of an incident near the junction of Exhibition Road and Kensington Road shortly before 9pm. Four people were taken to hospital, while two others were treated at the scene.

The embassy has been the focus of repeated demonstrations in recent weeks, reflecting anger over events in Iran, where widespread anti-government protests have been met with violent repression. Earlier this week, the Iranian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office following reports of further deaths among protesters.

Last weekend, two people were also arrested during a separate protest outside the same Kensington building after a demonstrator climbed onto a balcony and appeared to tear down a flag.

The Metropolitan Police said inquiries into Friday’s disorder were continuing and urged anyone with footage of the incident to come forward.

For more independent coverage of crime, protests, and public order incidents in the borough, follow EyeOnLondon Kensington & Chelsea. We welcome informed discussion in the comments.

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