The Metropolitan Police has arrested 86 people on suspicion of aggravated trespass after they breached prison grounds while protesting in support of a Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike.
The force said on Saturday evening that it had detained a group of protesters outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London.
According to the force, the group refused to leave the grounds when ordered to do so, allegedly blocked prison staff from entering and leaving, and threatened police officers.
The Met said a number of them also managed to get inside a staff entrance area of a prison building.
It is understood the protesters did not get past security.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson described the incident as “deeply concerning”. They said: “The escalation of the protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs is completely unacceptable. While we support the right to peacefully protest, reports of trespassing and threats being made to staff and police officers are deeply concerning.
“At no point was prison security compromised, however where individuals’ actions cause risk or actual harm to hardworking staff, this will not be taken lightly and those responsible can expect to face consequences.
“Prisoners are being managed in line with longstanding policy.
“This includes regular checks by medical professionals, heart monitoring and blood tests, and support to help them eat and drink again. If deemed appropriate by healthcare teams, prisoners will be taken to hospital.”
Footage shared on social media showed a group chanting outside the prison, with some holding signs.
At one point, the group can be seen moving towards a building – and one clip appears to show some demonstrators inside.
It is understood that they are holding the demonstration in support of Umer Khalid.
He is the last remaining participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign, according to the group.
Prisoners for Palestine accused the police of carrying out a “violent and wildly disproportionate response” to the protest.
