London: A massive anti-immigration rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson turned violent on Saturday, drawing over 110,000 participants and leading to clashes with police. The “Unite the Kingdom” march, which aimed to protest mass migration and promote free speech, saw several protesters punching and kicking police officers, with bottles thrown at security forces attempting to keep rival groups apart.

The Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,000 officers, with reinforcements in helmets and riot gear sent to manage the unrest. Twenty-six officers were injured, including four who suffered serious injuries such as broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, concussion, and a possible spinal injury. At least 25 people were arrested for violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the violence, saying, “Many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.”

The demonstration far exceeded expectations, with crowds stretching from Big Ben across the River Thames. Counterprotesters from the “March Against Fascism” group, numbering about 5,000, held signs reading “Refugees Welcome” and “Smash the Far Right,” chanting slogans against Robinson and his supporters.

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressed the rally, claiming migrants were being given more rights than British citizens. Far-right French politician Eric Zemmour also spoke at the event, warning of what he called the “great replacement” of Europeans by migrants.

Elon Musk appeared via video link, condemning the UK government’s immigration policies, saying, “There’s something beautiful about being British, and what I see happening here is a destruction of Britain with massive uncontrolled migration.”

The rally came amid growing political tensions over migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Earlier protests this summer outside hotels housing asylum seekers had also turned violent.

Despite the large turnout, the march was smaller than previous demonstrations such as the 2023 pro-Palestinian rally that drew nearly 300,000 people. Police said investigations into Saturday’s violence are ongoing.