London saw dramatic scenes on Friday, 16 January 2026, as protests outside the Iranian Embassy in South Kensington escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and the Metropolitan Police, resulting in multiple arrests and injuries to officers and protesters alike. (ITVX)
Comprehensive Coverage of the London Embassy Clashes
Demonstrators, reportedly rallying in solidarity with growing anti-regime protests in Iran, gathered outside the Iranian diplomatic mission in Kensington, London. At times the crowd grew unruly, leading to confrontations with police tasked with maintaining order around the embassy. (ITVX)
During the unrest, one protester climbed across balconies and onto the roof of the embassy, where he removed the Iranian national flag — reportedly replacing it with a pre-1979 flag symbolizing opposition to the current regime — before being arrested by police on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property and assaulting officers. (ITVX)
A Section 35 dispersal order was imposed by police as tensions mounted and objects were thrown at officers. With the escalation, at least 14 people were arrested on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and trespass. (Sky News)
The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene at around 8:45 pm, with reports that four officers suffered minor injuries during the clashes. Footage circulating online also appears to show protesters being treated for injuries sustained in the disorder. (Sky News)
Police Statement:In an update shared on their official social platform, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the illegal access of embassy property by a protester and noted the challenging conditions faced by officers amid missile-throwing and disorder among the crowd. (ITVX)
Key Details at a Glance
- Location: Iranian Embassy, South Kensington, London
- Date: Friday, 16 January 2026
- Police Involved: Metropolitan Police
- Arrests: At least 14 arrests made on suspicion of violent disorder, trespass, criminal damage, and assault
- Injuries: Four police officers reported injured; some protesters also seen hurt
- Orders Issued: Section 35 dispersal order to manage ongoing disorder
- Flag Removal: One protester removed the Iranian embassy flag before arrest
Sources & Further Reading
- Arrests and police response: ITV News UK — Arrests made after several police injured during protest outside Iranian Embassy Arrests made after several police injured during protest outside Iranian Embassy
- Violent disorder and injuries: Sky News — ‘Violent disorder’ at Iran’s London embassy leaves four police officers in hospital with at least 14 arrested ‘Violent disorder’ at Iran’s London embassy news
- Flag removal by protester: ednews — Protesters in London remove Iranian Embassy flag for 2nd time in week Protesters in London remove Iranian Embassy flag for 2nd time in week
