UK police arrest 86 after protesters breach Wormwood Scrubs prison grounds backing hunger striker
Police in London arrested 86 people after protesters supporting a Palestine Action-linked detainee on hunger strike entered prison grounds at Wormwood Scrubs, prompting accusations of aggravated trespass and renewed debate over protest policing and prison security.
British police arrested 86 people after a protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London, where demonstrators gathered in support of a Palestine Action-linked activist who is on hunger strike, authorities said.
The Metropolitan Police said the group breached prison grounds and refused orders to leave. Officers alleged that protesters blocked prison staff from entering and exiting, and that some also accessed a staff-entrance area of a prison building. Police said the arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass.
Sky News reported that the protesters were backing Umer Khalid, described as a Palestine Action-linked activist being held at the prison. The force said an update on Sunday confirmed 86 arrests in total after the incident.
Officials emphasized that the protest did not compromise prison security. Police indicated that while some protesters managed to reach a staff-only access area, it was understood they did not get beyond established security controls within the facility.
In statements carried by ITV, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the escalation at the prison was “completely unacceptable,” while adding that the government supports the right to peaceful protest. The spokesperson said reports of trespassing and threats made to staff and police were “deeply concerning,” and warned that actions creating risk or harm to staff would have consequences.
Authorities also noted that prisoners on hunger strike are managed under longstanding policy, including regular checks by medical professionals, monitoring, and support aimed at helping detainees resume eating and drinking. If deemed appropriate by healthcare teams, prisoners can be taken to hospital.
The arrests are likely to intensify scrutiny of the government’s handling of protests connected to the Israel-Gaza conflict and related activism in the UK, as well as the balance between public order, access to prison facilities, and the right to demonstrate.