Police chief tells pro-Israel group he imposed unprecedented restrictions on Gaza rally

London's Metropolitan Police (Met) chief, Mark Rowley, has said that his force imposed unprecedented restrictions on a major pro-Palestine rally in London on Saturday that led to 77 arrests.

According to estimates by the organisers, the rally drew over 100,000 people - two of whom have been charged with public order offences they deny.

Last November, the Met approved the organising coalition's proposed march from the BBC headquarters to Whitehall but reversed course after political pressure. Police said in early January that the route was too close to two synagogues.

Pro-Israel groups, chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, MPs and peers had reportedly urged Met commissioner Rowley to reroute the protest.

Last week, the police took the unusual step of announcing an alternative route for the march, beginning at Russell Square. However, the Met later backed down and agreed to a "static protest" at Whitehall. 

Read more: Police chief tells pro-Israel group he imposed unprecedented restrictions on Gaza rally