Tommy Robinson: Man hands himself in after medic kicked in head at London protest
Police hunt second person after Oxford Circus demonstration turns violent
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm after a police medic was assaulted during a violent ‘Free Tommy Robinson‘ protest.
The man handed himself in on Tuesday evening.
The attack occurred on Saturday, during a demonstration against Tommy Robinson’s imprisonment.
Some protesters tried to breach a police cordon separating them from counter-protesters.
“During this incident a police medic was pulled to the ground and kicked in the head by a male,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
Footage of the attack was circulated widely on Twitter and was also filmed on police body cameras.
Detectives are still hunting a second man they want to speak to about the assault.
“Attacks on police officers, as with an attack on any emergency service worker, are attacks on the basic fabric of a civilised society,” said Superintendent Roy Smith.
“The sole purpose of deploying police medics to an event is to ensure the safety of those attending and provide care to those who require it.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for contempt of court on 11 July.
He was sentenced to serve nine months in prison, after breaking a reporting restriction on linked grooming trials in Leeds.
The far-right figure’s supporters demanded his freedom at Saturday’s protest.
Footage from the demonstration shows police officers struggling to maintain order.
A police medic can be seen surrounded by a large crowd of people before disappearing from view as officers run to help.
The protest started in Oxford Circus, while a separate counter-demonstration was held in nearby Regent Street.
Supt Smith said detectives would “not stop until those responsible are identified and brought to justice.”
“We have a dedicated team in place to investigate incidents like this at public order events,” he said.
“I would urge anyone who has information relating to this sickening and cowardly attack to come forward, which you can do in complete confidence.
“I appeal to those involved, those who were with them on the day, or those who know who they are to do the right thing and come forward.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Public Order Investigation Team on 0208 246 0076, email liam.day@met.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime reference 6552636/19.