27 police officers working to keep Londoners safe during Black Lives Matter protests in the capital have been injured in the line of duty this week.
Hundreds of officers had to risk their own safety policing the protests during what is a global pandemic as the UK continues to fight coronavirus, battling to keep the R low.
More notably, a female mounted section officer is in hospital after missiles were thrown at her horse causing it to bolt. The PC’s head hit a traffic light before she fell to the ground.
In the course of their duties, officers save black lives and deal with black victims of crime every day. Upstanding police officers have demonstrated – time and time again – that black lives matter.
Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick, said: “I am deeply saddened and depressed that a minority of protesters became violent towards officers in central London yesterday evening.
“This led to 14 officers being injured, in addition to 13 hurt in earlier protests this week. We have made a number of arrests and justice will follow. The number of assaults is shocking and completely unacceptable.
“I know many who were seeking to make their voices heard will be as appalled as I am by those scenes. There is no place for violence in our city. Officers displayed extreme patience and professionalism throughout a long and difficult day, and I thank them for that.
“I would urge protesters to please find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London, risking yourself, your families and officers as we continue to face this deadly virus.”