The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has written a letter to the head of the Metropolitan Police over the arrests of six people who intended to peacefully protest at the Coronation.
The Met Commissioner has said that it was “unfortunate” six anti-monarchy protesters were arrested and held for up to 17 hours in a police cell.
Sir Mark Rowley claims that the police were looking to thwart a “criminal network” and all six were released and their bail was cancelled.
Khan said in the letter, “I am seeking assurance from you that the issues related to these will be subject to a review and lessons learned.
“Those arrested stated the items would be used to secure their placards, and the investigation has been unable to prove intent to use them to lock on and disrupt the event.
“This evening all six have had their bail cancelled and no further action will be taken.
“We regret that those six people arrested were unable to join the wider group of protesters in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the procession route.”
Writing for the Evening Standard, Sir Mark said they had received intelligence people planned to use rape alarms and loud hailers to disrupt the Coronation.
Sir Mark said it was “frustrating that there are things we are unable to share.”
He said, “But while our investigations continue.
“I can report that we found people in possession of possible lock-on devices and people that appeared to be purporting to be stewards of the event in possession of plastic bottles containing white paint which we believe were specifically to be used to criminally disrupt the procession and resulted in arrests for going equipped to commit criminal damage.”
He added, “While it is unfortunate that the six people affected by this were unable to join the hundreds of peaceful protesters, I support the officers’ actions in this unique fast-moving operational context.”
