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

APTOPIX Indonesia Volcano Eruption

Rescuers find final missing climbing after volcano eruption

A new study has revealed the impact of 'shrinkflation'.

Festive faves hit by ‘shrinkflation’ as shoppers show how Christmas treats have declined in size over the years

Rishi Sunak is hoping to appease the 'vast majority' of Tory MPs with the new legislation.

Sunak to ‘cut through middle’ on Rwanda plan in bid to appease ‘majority’ of Tory MPs as ministers threaten to quit

Mr Johnson is expected to apologise to the Covid Inquiry and acknowledge the government did not get everything right during the pandemic.

Boris Johnson to tell Covid Inquiry he 'delayed first lockdown based on Chris Whitty's advice'

Police have linked an assault that took place hours before Anthony's murder to the investigation.

Cold case detectives link baseball bat assault to unsolved 1984 murder as they appeal for witnesses

A woman has died and two have been injured.

Woman, 42, dies after east London shooting as murder investigation launched

His wife Elizabeth Hines announced his death on Tuesday evening.

'He'll be remembered with great fondness': Paul McCartney leads tributes to Wings guitarist Denny Laine

The King and Queen were joined by William and Kate for the Diplomatic Reception.

Business as usual: Royal family puts on united front at diplomatic reception in first joint appearance amid race row

US Russia Detainees

Russia rejects offer over jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich

Israel Palestinians Hamas IS

Netanyahu says Israel must retain control of security in Gaza after the war

House Explosion Virginia

Man believed to have fired shots before Virginia house exploded is dead: police

Jonathan Majors Assault Case

Jonathan Majors’ accuser said actor’s ‘violent temper’ left her fearful

Johnson was jailed for two years for preventing a burial and was given concurrent six-month sentences for each of the three fraud charges.

Carer jailed for storing pensioner's body in freezer for two years after being 'overcome with grief'

Cameron meets Nelson Mandela

Hamas officials join Mandela’s family to mark 10th anniversary of his death

Everything the High Court has heard so far in Harry's legal fight against the Home Office.

Why is Prince Harry challenging the UK government in court? Everything we know so far

The Home Secretary has described a new migration treaty with Rwanda as far more ‘robust’ than previous proposals

'Thousands of asylum seekers will be taken in from UK', Rwandan Govt tells LBC, but criminals will be sent back