The Metropolitan Police have arrested 86 people on suspicion of aggravated trespass after they breached prison grounds while protesting in support of a Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike.
The force said it had detained a number of people outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London.
Activists are accused of refusing to leave the ground when ordered to do so, allegedly blocking prison staff from entering and leaving, as well as threatening police officers.
The Met said a series of protesters got inside a staff entrance area of a prison building.
It is understood the protesters did not get past security.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman described the incident as “deeply concerning”.
They said: “The escalation of the protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs is completely unacceptable.
“While we support the right to peacefully protest, reports of trespassing and threats being made to staff and police officers are deeply concerning.
Some 86 Palestine Action activists have been arrested for trespassing Wormwood Scrubs
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PA“At no point was prison security compromised, however where individuals’ actions cause risk or actual harm to hardworking staff, this will not be taken lightly and those responsible can expect to face consequences.
“Prisoners are being managed in line with longstanding policy.
“This includes regular checks by medical professionals, heart monitoring and blood tests, and support to help them eat and drink again. If deemed appropriate by healthcare teams, prisoners will be taken to hospital.”
Footage posted on social media showed a group of people chanting outside the prison.
It is understood that the protesters did not get past security
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INSTAGRAM/FREEUMERKHALID
One video showed the group moving towards the building, with another featuring activists inside.
It is understood that they are holding the demonstration in support of Umer Khalid.
He is the last remaining participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign, according to the group.
Seven others stopped eating in protest at charges linked to alleged break-ins and criminal damage carried out on behalf of the banned Palestine Action group.
Aerial view of Wormwood Scrubs, where activists picketed last night
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PA
The Met said a series of protesters got inside a staff entrance area
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PAMr Khalid briefly paused his hunger strike in December due to health concerns, but has since resumed and is now refusing to drink water.
The 22-year-old has been in custody since his arrest over alleged involvement in disorder at RAF Brize Norton, where activists caused millions of pounds worth of damage.
He denies charges of criminal damage and entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the UK.
The Free Umer Khalid campaign urged supporters to attend a “solidarity protest” outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs at 8pm on Saturday.
Videos posted on the group’s social media seemed to show demonstrators inside a locker room in the prison.
HMP Wormwood Scrubs is a high-security Category B prison located in White City, west London, within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
