Firework thrown in police horse’s face in protest

A police horse has been injured and his rider hospitalised after protestors threw fireworks in his face during the Million Mask March in central London yesterday (5 November).

‘Intent on criminality’

What started off as a peaceful anti-capitalist protest in Trafalgar Square descended into chaos, when activists abandoned the agreed route and ran off towards the Churchill War Rooms.

More crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace, which was when the violence kicked off. Many wore the trademark Guy ‘Guido’ Fawkes masks – made famous by the film V for Vendetta – which have been adopted by the Anonymous hacking group, who organised the demonstration.

“A group of protestors chose not to engage with police or adhere to the conditions of the protest and were intent on criminality,” said Commander BJ Harrington.

Angry mob

The angry mob threw missiles such as cones, bottle and fireworks at the police. One horse had a firework thrown in his face, causing him to spook and unseat his rider.

The horse then bolted, but was caught and taken back to his stables for treatment. His rider was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Protester Daisy Greenaway, 20, tried to stop people attacking the horses, but was told “police horses don’t feel”. She was on the protest to show her support for the anti-austerity campaign.

Sexist abuse

“I pulled one masked guy away from a horse who then tried to fight me,” the University of Westminster student told the Evening Standard. “He punched me and yelled sexist abuse for pushing him away from a frightened horse.

Two other policemen were injured during the protest and a police car was set on fire.

The Metropolitan police was prepared for conflict and had organised a “significant policing operation”, with thousands of extra officers called in. More than 50 arrests were made.

‘Hostile provocation’

Commander BJ Harrington described the attacks as “completely unacceptable”.

“I praise the professionalism and restraint that officers have shown in the face of hostile provocation and enabled the policing operation to pass without major incidents,” he said. “We will bring those responsible for the criminality to face justice.”

The London Metropolitan Police has confirmed that six horses in total are being treated for cuts and injuries in the attack.