Police have arrested six men after two pro-Palestine protesters were attacked in a major incident outside the Iranian Embassy this morning.
Detectives have launched an urgent probe after the two men were set upon outside the embassy, which is opposite Hyde Park in west London.
Officers and paramedics swooped on Princes Gate, Knightsbridge, scrambling to detain suspects and treat the injured activists.
It comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iran and Israel locked in a brutal conflict that has escalated over the last week.
The two victims were treated for injuries at the scene and have been taken to hospital.
Dramatic pictures from the scene show the protesters being treated by paramedics on stretchers and receiving oxygen, while the alleged attackers were seen being hauled away in handcuffs.
Police said six men have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and are being quizzed in custody.
The Iranian Embassy became a focal point for protests in 2022 after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody.
A spokesman for the Met Police said: ‘At 09:53hrs on Friday, 20 June officers responded to reports of an altercation in Princes Gate, SW1.
‘Six men have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm – they remain in police custody.
‘Two men were treated for injuries at the scene and have been taken to hospital for further treatment by the London Ambulance Service.
‘Police have cordoned off the area while initial investigations take place.’
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 9.56am today (20 June) to reports of an assault in Princes Gate, SW7.
‘We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars and our Tactical Response Unit.
‘We treated two patients at the scene and took one to hospital and one to a major trauma centre.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
