Man arrested after smashing window at Indian High Commission in London | London

A man suspected of violent disorder has been arrested after crowds gathered and a window was smashed at the Indian High Commission in London.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to the building in Aldwych, Westminster at around 1.50pm on Sunday, and two security officers were slightly injured.

Footage posted to social media showed a man untying the Indian flag from the building’s first-floor balcony while a crowd of people below waving bright yellow “Khalistan” banners appeared to cheer him on. They are believed to be supporters of a Sikh separatist movement seeking to create a new homeland or breakaway state.

The Met has launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson said: “Windows were smashed in the High Commission building. Two security personnel were injured. These are considered minor; they did not need hospital treatment.

“Officers have come to the scene. The majority of those present had dispersed before the police arrived.

“An investigation was opened and a man was arrested nearby shortly after on suspicion of violent disorder. Investigations are continuing.

The incident was denounced on Twitter by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Foreign Secretary Lord Ahmad and the British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis.

Khan said: ‘I condemn the violent disorder and vandalism that took place at the Indian High Commission today. There is no place in our city for this kind of behavior. An investigation has been launched by the Met into today’s events.

Ahmad wrote: “I am appalled by today’s attack on the Indian High Commission in London. This is a totally unacceptable action against the integrity of the Mission and its staff. The British Government will always take the security of the Indian High Commission seriously. »

Ellis said: ‘I condemn the shameful acts today against the people and premises of @HCI_London – totally unacceptable.