Police break up 'unlawful' protest outside French embassy in London following Nice attack

30 October 2020, 14:53 | Updated: 30 October 2020, 15:40

Islamic protesters have gathered outside the French embassy in London
Islamic protesters have gathered outside the French embassy in London. Picture: PA
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

Protesters have gathered outside the French embassy in London in the wake of the Nice attack which left three people dead.

Police broke up the "unlawful" demonstration after the group failed to provide the local authority with a sufficient risk assessment.

Officers have advised those taking part to disperse and are engaging with the crowds but will use enforcement action where necessary.

Some people could be seen holding signs reading: 'Islam is the religion of love and peace', 'Respect our Prophet' and 'Emmanuel Macron do not divide humanity'.

The group were also heard chanting "Allahu Akbar" outside the embassy and seen pausing for a moment of prayer.

Read more: Three dead in terror attack at church in French city of Nice

Read more: Teacher beheaded in Paris after showing Prophet Muhammad cartoons

Protesters briefly paused their demonstration in a moment of prayer
Protesters briefly paused their demonstration in a moment of prayer. Picture: PA

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "The group failed to produce a sufficient risk assessment to the local authority and so, their protest has been determined unlawful.

"Those participating in the protest are currently being advised to disperse. Officers will be engaging with crowds and informing them of this development.

"Where necessary, enforcement action will be considered and taken."

It comes amid rising tensions between France and the Islamic world after a Tunisian man killed three people in a church in Nice this week and, earlier this month, a history teacher was beheaded on the streets of a Parisian suburb.

The attacks followed the decision of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo to re-publish infamous caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.

Read more: France announces second lockdown to control Covid-19 spike

Read more: Two children among four dead after migrant boat capsized off French coast

Terror probe launched after three killed by knifeman in France

The images deeply offended Muslims across the world, with protesters burning French flags, stomping on portraits of President Emmanuel Macron and calling for boycotts of French products at demonstrations in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

Mr Macron said France would not give in to terrorism and called for firmness and unity following the latest attacks.

Following the beheading on history teacher Samuel Paty, the president promised to crack down on Islamist extremism, including shutting down mosques and other organisations accused of fomenting radicalism and violence

He said he would immediately increase the number of soldiers deployed to protect schools and religious sites in the country from around 3,000 to 7,000 in the wake of the attacks.

Prime Minister Jean Castex told French lawmakers that the country would raise its alert level to "emergency" in response to the Nice murders.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Bristol, UK. 19th Mar, 2020. Petrol now under £1 a litre as the drop in oil prices hits the forecourt. 99.9p a litre at Costco, Avonmouth, Bristol. Credit: Julian Kemp/Alamy Live News

Ten people injured after 'noxious substance' thrown in Costco as police hold teenage suspect

Heartbreak as Brit pensioner, 90, 'starves to death in her Spanish home' as son, 63, 'found dead in property'

Heartbreak as Brit pensioner, 90, 'starves to death in her Spanish home' as son, 63, 'found dead in property'

E-scooters are currently illegal to use on the public highways including pavements.

E-scooters blamed for 'shocking' surge in uninsured teen riders with 2,000% increase in offences

Breaking
Thames Water has won court approval for a £3 billion emergency debt package as the nation's biggest water company scrambles to avoid collapse.

Thames Water handed £3 billion lifeline as court approves restructuring plans to save it from financial collapse

US and Russia begin talks about Ukraine in Saudi Arabia

US-Russia talks begin in Saudi Arabia as Starmer faces Europe backlash over Ukraine peacekeeping plans

A drone view of Everton's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock during an Everton under-18 friendly match test event.

Everton's new stadium makes it's grand debut after £800million and four years

Job Centre Plus, London Road, Twickenham, Greater London, England, Great Britain, United Kingdom UK, Europe

UK wages see unexpected rise as unemployment rate holds steady at 4.4 per cent

Placebo band leader Brian Molko has been charged with defamation for calling the Italian PM a fascist and a Nazi during a gig.

British rock star Brian Molko charged after 'calling Italian PM a piece of s*** fascist and a Nazi' during gig

Exclusive
Short sentences and recall periods are keeping offenders in a longer cycle of going to jail, LBC has heard.

'It sent me back to square one': Short sentences create endless cycle of jail time, inmates tell LBC

Shocking footage shows passenger's 'lucky escape' after Delta jet crashes and 'flips' at Toronto airport leaving 18 injured

Shocking footage shows passenger's 'lucky escape' after Delta jet crashes and 'flips' at Toronto airport with 18 injured

Cracks over Starmer’s 'premature' peacekeeping plan as Europe left ‘irritated’ following crisis summit

Cracks over Starmer’s 'premature' peacekeeping plan as Europe left ‘irritated’ following crisis summit

The woman was attacked by a shark

Family of woman whose hands were bitten off by shark reveal 'nightmare' after husband fought off '7ft' predator

Renée Zellweger

Mad about the Box Office: Latest Bridget Jones installment smashes rom com record

Exclusive
David Gauke wants to reduce the size of the female prison estate to make room for more male inmates. File image shows Pentonville prison

Send fewer women to jail to make room for male inmates, says former Justice Secretary

x

Starmer will ensure UK is 'leading country' as European nations step up in support of Ukraine

Gunner Beck

Women in Army subjected to 'disgusting' comments from male colleagues amid misogynistic culture, inquest hears