19 May 2023 , 20:06
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A Just Stop Oil activist was thrown to the ground by a passer-by during a protest in central London.
In a video posted on social media, the man can be seen approaching a group of campaigners as they slow march in front of traffic on Mansell Street, near the Tower of London, on Friday.
The man then begins to snatch the group's banners out of the protesters' hands before pushing the woman on to the ground.
He also appears to grab a phone from one of the campaigners and throw it away, as he tries to push the other demonstrators out of the way of traffic.
Meanwhile, the woman picks herself up and goes to sit on the pavement.
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Commenting on the incident, a spokesperson from Just Stop Oil said they understood how "frustrating" it can be to be disrupted.
The man was filmed throwing a protester to the ground (Just Stop Oil)"We understand how frustrating it can be to be disrupted, however, as of this morning 13 people are dead and 13,000 people have had to be evacuated from their homes in Italy, due to six months worth of rain falling in a day and a half," the spokesperson said.
"A quarter of a million people are currently homeless in Somalia due to extreme flooding, despite the country experiencing its worst drought in 40 years.
"The disruption we are seeing on British streets is nothing compared to the disruption wrought if we do not stop licensing new oil, gas and coal."
The man began pulling banners out of demonstrators' hands and flung a mobile phone (Just Stop Oil)The Met Police said it is aware of an incident, though has not confirmed if any arrests have been made.
The force said in a statement: "The Met and City of London Police are aware of an incident shown on social media in which a member of the public appears to have an altercation with Just Stop Oil protesters, shortly before the arrival of police.
"At this stage, we are not aware that any allegations have been made in regard to this matter, however, at this stage we are in contact with the organisers of the demonstration.
The slow march saw protestors holding up traffic (Just Stop Oil)"We completely understand the frustration and anger of London’s communities when protesters walk slowly in the roads.
"We urge people not to intervene and to wait for the arrival of police, who will attend the scene promptly.
"We thank people for their patience."
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