ACPO response to March 26 protests

ACPO lead on uniformed operations Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes said:

"Large scale protests constantly challenge and test the police service: no two events are the same and the approaches of protesters and police continually evolve. The British approach is to facilitate peaceful protest but they are also there to keep the peace.

"Communication is critical and the pre-planning and engagement with organisers for the main protest was clearly a huge success. The actions of some, however, were far removed from peaceful demonstration. The minority who were intent on causing violence and criminal damage should expect to deal with the consequences.

"Those officers who worked long-hours through yesterday's operation showed great professionalism and bravery in the face of some difficult and competing challenges and they are to be thanked for putting themselves in harm's way to keep London's streets and citizens safe."

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk