Six men arrested in London over violent Gaza protests

SIX men were arrested by police this morning in connection with the violent Gaza demonstrations outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington.

They were held in dawn raids at their homes in connection with protests and the looting of a Starbucks in January.

The men, aged between 17 and 26, were arrested for violent disorder.

Addresses were raided in North Kensington, Notting Hill, Shepherd's Bush and Bayswater. Another man was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs.

Detectives are searching for about 40 protesters they say were involved in violence and disorder during two clashes near the Israeli embassy. Fifty-five officers were injured and shops and restaurants were damaged. The bill for policing the protests is estimated at more than £1million.

Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas, in charge of the Public Order Branch, said: "Those who corrupt and abuse the right to protest by using it as a guise to attack police and trash and loot shops cannot hide behind the crowds. After the demonstration is over police will start working to identify those responsible, and when we do we will arrest you.

"The right to protest is an important one and should not be undermined by thugs and louts who simply want to cause trouble.

"I have no doubt that a small hardcore acted as antagonists during the demonstrations, stirring up the crowd."