Rival protests shut London

Central London was the site of massive and tense demonstrations on Saturday as rival groups took to the streets.

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched to mark the 78th anniversary of the Nakba and demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Simultaneously, thousands of far-right activists held a counter-rally, leading to several violent confrontations and racial abuse directed at police officers.

The Metropolitan Police made 43 arrests during the operation, which cost an estimated £4.5 million and involved thousands of officers from across the country.