'Violent disorder' at Iran's London embassy leaves four police officers in hospital - with at least 14 arrested

Several police officers have been injured after a protest outside the Iranian embassy in London erupted into violence.

The clashes have resulted in a number of arrests, according to the Metropolitan Police, whose officers had missiles thrown at them.

Paramedics confirmed four people had been taken to hospital after the London Ambulance Service was called to the unrest in South Kensington at 8.45pm.

The Met said several of its officers had suffered injuries, with footage on social media appearing to show protesters were also hurt in the demonstrations on Friday.

It comes after weeks of protests in Iran ended in violent repression at the hands of the ruling regime. Initially motivated by the country's ailing economy, the demonstrations grew to challenge the ruling regime itself.

On Saturday, a Met Police spokesperson confirmed four police officers sustained minor injuries during the clashes and a total of 14 people were arrested.

They said: "During a protest at the Iranian embassy on Friday, 16 January, a protester illegally accessed private property and climbed across multiple balconies on to the terrace of the embassy and removed its flag.

"An effort was made by a group of protesters to prevent his lawful arrest, and dispersal tactics were used by officers to ensure the safety of those concerned and prevent further disorder.

"Officers were able to arrest the man on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property and assaulting police. He remains in police custody.

"A further 13 arrests were made for several offences, including violent disorder, assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and trespass on diplomatic premises."

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In addition to those taken to hospital, paramedics assessed and discharged another two patients at the scene, the ambulance service said.

In Tehran, there has reportedly been no sign of protests for days, with shopping and street life returning to outward normality.

And with a week-old internet blackout continuing, the authorities haven't reported any unrest elsewhere in the country.

Nonetheless, the brutal handling of the demonstrations has left 3,090 people dead, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

Iranian state TV put the number at 300, according to a report on Thursday.

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The prospect of US intervention also appears to have receded, days after Donald Trump pledged "help is on its way".

Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged the US president to make good on his pledge to help, describing him as "a man of his word".

(c) Sky News 2026: 'Violent disorder' at Iran's London embassy leaves four police officers in hospital - with at least 14 arrested