London protests: Nine arrested during day of demonstrations

Extinction Rebellion protesters were arrested after manure was dumped outside the Daily Mail's London headquarters

Nine protesters have been arrested during demonstrations across London, the Met Police said.

Anti-lockdown and climate change demonstrations took place on Saturday in Westminster, Lambeth and Southwark alongside some smaller protests.

Police arrested three people during Saturday's protests.

Five Extinction Rebellion protesters were detained after manure was dumped outside the Daily Mail's London headquarters on Sunday.

Four of the five were also held on suspicion of causing criminal damage.

A sixth person was arrested after police said a 54-year-old man attempted to dump manure from a truck near Buckingham Palace.

The man was held on suspicion of dangerous driving, while all six have been detained under section 148 of the Highways Act and remain in custody.

The significant majority of those protesting "engaged in a positive manner with our officers", the Met Police said

Extinction Rebellion shared photos and video on social media of "free the press" protesters marching through London and gathering in Parliament Square.

People carried placards, waved flags and chanting, while bands also played.

It comes after the protest movement targeted the media in September with a printing press blockade that left some newsagents' shelves empty.

Elsewhere on Sunday, people walked along Regent Street during a "FreedomToDance".

The march was organised by Save Our Scene, protesting the government's policies over the live music industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Free the press" protesters marched through London and gathered in Parliament Square

Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of central London on Saturday.

Demonstrators packed roads outside Downing Street and were seen setting off flares and chanting.

Some protesters were seen throwing tennis balls at the Houses of Parliament.

Three officers received minor injuries "but all remain fit and well".

Demonstrators packed the streets outside Downing Street and were seen setting of flares and chanting

"The significant majority of those protesting engaged in a positive manner with our officers," Ch Supt Karen Findlay said.

"We did experience small pockets of antisocial behaviour in Whitehall which involved missiles being thrown at officers, but these were dealt with quickly and effectively.

"I am grateful to the command team, all our officers and those who attended to protest in central London for achieving a positive outcome."

The Metropolitan Police arrested 12 people in raids in three areas of the capital on Friday and confiscated items linked to the protests.

The arrests were "proactive action" to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity, the force added.