Menu
07/04/2009
Westminster Bridge Closed In Tamil Protest
Police have closed Westminster Bridge in London in an attempt to contain thousands of Tamil protestors who are demanding a ceasefire in Sri Lanka.
Minor scuffles broke out as officers moved the demonstrators, who had camped out overnight, off the road and into the centre of Parliament Square.
One man was also rescued after jumping from the bridge and was taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be serious.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers were trying to minimise disruption to others by moving the demonstrators off the roads and onto the green outside Parliament.
Scotland Yard estimated that up to 3,000 people occupied the streets around the area. Westminster tube station was closed by police.
A spokeswoman added the protest was peaceful and there have been no arrests so far.
She said: "Police are continuing to attempt to negotiate with the organisers of the demonstration to facilitate their protest and to minimise disruption to all of London’s communities."
Some of the protestors, including women and children, are waving flags bearing a Tamil emblem.
The UN claims 150,000 people are trapped in Sri Lanka's northern war zone while Tamil's say they are the victims of human rights abuses.
The country’s government has rejected calls for a ceasefire with the Tamil Tiger rebel group, who want independence.
Under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, it is illegal to stage an unauthorised demonstration within the vicinity of Parliament.
The protest has been going on since 4pm on Monday, and at its peak as many as 3,000 people had gathered in the shadows of Big Ben.
(JM/BMcC)
Minor scuffles broke out as officers moved the demonstrators, who had camped out overnight, off the road and into the centre of Parliament Square.
One man was also rescued after jumping from the bridge and was taken to hospital. His condition is not believed to be serious.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said officers were trying to minimise disruption to others by moving the demonstrators off the roads and onto the green outside Parliament.
Scotland Yard estimated that up to 3,000 people occupied the streets around the area. Westminster tube station was closed by police.
A spokeswoman added the protest was peaceful and there have been no arrests so far.
She said: "Police are continuing to attempt to negotiate with the organisers of the demonstration to facilitate their protest and to minimise disruption to all of London’s communities."
Some of the protestors, including women and children, are waving flags bearing a Tamil emblem.
The UN claims 150,000 people are trapped in Sri Lanka's northern war zone while Tamil's say they are the victims of human rights abuses.
The country’s government has rejected calls for a ceasefire with the Tamil Tiger rebel group, who want independence.
Under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, it is illegal to stage an unauthorised demonstration within the vicinity of Parliament.
The protest has been going on since 4pm on Monday, and at its peak as many as 3,000 people had gathered in the shadows of Big Ben.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 June 2013
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
11 April 2006
Britons hurt in Sri Lankan explosion
At least two Britons are believed to have been injured following a mine blast in Sri Lanka, which killed 12 people and injured another eight. The explosion occurred when a bus carrying Sri Lankan sailors hit a mine near the port of Trincomalee. The 12 people killed are all believed to be sailors.
Britons hurt in Sri Lankan explosion
At least two Britons are believed to have been injured following a mine blast in Sri Lanka, which killed 12 people and injured another eight. The explosion occurred when a bus carrying Sri Lankan sailors hit a mine near the port of Trincomalee. The 12 people killed are all believed to be sailors.
19 August 2009
UK Urged To Tighten Rules On Arms
The government needs to tighten controls on arms exports to ensure that British weapons are not being used against civilians in foreign war zones, a joint report by four select committees has said.
UK Urged To Tighten Rules On Arms
The government needs to tighten controls on arms exports to ensure that British weapons are not being used against civilians in foreign war zones, a joint report by four select committees has said.
29 April 2008
Arrests Made In Tamil Tiger Investigation
Counter-terrorism officers have arrested three men as part of a long-running investigation into the Tamil Tigers. Scotland Yard say that raids took place at residential and business properties in Newtown, Powys, Mitcham, south-west London, and Surrey early this morning.
Arrests Made In Tamil Tiger Investigation
Counter-terrorism officers have arrested three men as part of a long-running investigation into the Tamil Tigers. Scotland Yard say that raids took place at residential and business properties in Newtown, Powys, Mitcham, south-west London, and Surrey early this morning.
09 December 2010
Trouble Erupts At Student Fees Protest
Violence has broken out between thousands of students and police on Westminster as talks over plans to treble university fees take place in Parliament. One police officer is in hospital with serious neck injuries, and a mounted officer has been thrown off his horse as the clashes in central London escalate.
Trouble Erupts At Student Fees Protest
Violence has broken out between thousands of students and police on Westminster as talks over plans to treble university fees take place in Parliament. One police officer is in hospital with serious neck injuries, and a mounted officer has been thrown off his horse as the clashes in central London escalate.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
