14 police officers hurt during protests in London

Fourteen police officers were injured in clashes during anti-racism protests in London, officials said Sunday.

“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,” Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Cressida Dick said in a statement, according to Reuters. “The number of assaults is shocking and completely unacceptable.”

Dick also reportedly called on demonstrators to seek other forms of protest that do not “involve coming out on the streets of London,” noting the risk of spreading coronavirus.

Clashes broke out near the Downing Street office of U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Saturday evening after thousands gathered for a mostly peaceful rally to protest the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes, The Associated Press reported.

A London police officer fell from her horse, but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, officials said.

More demonstrations are planned on Sunday, including one near the U.S. Embassy, according to the AP.

Authorities said an additional 13 officers were hurt in demonstrations last week, Reuters noted, adding that a number of arrests had occurred.