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The Metropolitan Police are closing a protest against coronavirus restrictions in London because crowds have “failed to abide by” social distancing rules.
At least three protesters and one officer were treated by medical personnel, after clashes with the police.
Thousands had gathered in Trafalgar Square to protest against government rules, and very few wore masks.
Protests are exempt from the rule of six restrictions, but protesters must distance themselves socially.
Organizers must also submit a risk assessment.
Rules in England limit indoor and outdoor gatherings to six people, with a few exceptions.
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Officers cornered the crowd in Trafalgar Square as protesters threw water and bottles at them, with some shouts of “choose your side.”
Police removed the sound equipment and used batons against the protesters, leaving some with visible injuries. Several protesters were taken away handcuffed.
Police have dispersed most of the protesters in Trafalgar Square, but the Met said some had moved to Hyde Park.
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Police are dispersing protesters in Trafalgar Square
The protesters were asked to leave and the force said that anyone who stayed could be subject to execution.
In a statement, the Met said: “The crowds in Trafalgar Square have not met the conditions of their risk assessment and are putting people at risk of transmitting the virus.”
“This overturned their risk assessment and we have informed the event organizers that they are no longer exempt from the regulations.
“If you leave now, you can stay safe and prevent agents from taking coercive measures,” the statement added.
Earlier, police seized a makeshift riot shield from a man.
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Large crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square before
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The “we do not consent” demonstration comes a week after another event in which more than a dozen officers were injured when a “small minority” attacked the police and more than 32 arrests were made.
Commander Ade Adelekan, who heads the Met’s operation, previously said that while there was “great frustration” over the regulations, they were designed to keep people safe from the virus.
“By flagrantly gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing, you are putting your health and that of your loved ones at risk,” he said.
He added that he would not tolerate the police being attacked during the protests and that officers “would respond quickly to any scene of violence.”
