London police arrest 86 after protesters breach Wormwood Scrubs prison grounds
Police say demonstrators supporting a Palestine Action-linked activist on hunger strike entered prison grounds, refused to leave, and blocked staff access. Authorities said the group did not breach security beyond restricted areas, but arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass.
Police in London arrested 86 people after a protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London escalated into an alleged breach of prison grounds. The Metropolitan Police said the crowd was supporting a Palestine Action-linked activist on hunger strike and that officers moved in after protesters refused to leave when directed.
What police say happened at the prison
According to the Met, the group remained on the grounds after being instructed to disperse and allegedly prevented prison staff from entering and leaving. Police also alleged that officers at the scene were threatened and that several people managed to get into a staff entrance area of a prison building.
Authorities said the protest did not compromise prison security, and that those detained were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Video shared on social media showed chanting outside the facility, and clips appeared to show some demonstrators moving toward a building during the incident.
Who the protest was supporting
Sky News reported the demonstration was understood to be in support of Umer Khalid, who is among five people accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton and damaging aircraft. The report said he denies the charges and has escalated his protest to a thirst strike.
Government response and prisoner welfare
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson condemned the escalation while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, calling reports of trespass and threats concerning. The spokesperson said prisoner management follows longstanding policy, including regular medical checks and monitoring, with hospital transfer available if deemed appropriate by healthcare teams.