Police have arrested 15 activists after a "disturbing" pro-Palestine rally erupted outside a synagogue in north London.
Footage on social media shows police detaining protestors after a clash occurred outside of Edgware United Synagogue in the capital this morning, while others were seen holding framed images of Iran's ayatollah.
In a statement on X, the Metropolitan Police said: "There is an increased police presence in Edgware this afternoon due to today’s event at Edgware United Synagogue and protest and counter-protest."
In an update around 3pm, the force continued: "We have made 15 arrests for a range of offences, including public order matters.
"We continue to engage with community leaders and are grateful to local residents for their patience during road closures, which will shortly be lifted."
Commander Adam Slonecki, who is in charge of policing London today, said: "We have liaised with the venue and the Community Security Trust and have deployed officers to prevent serious disruption and to deal with any offences, using the full range of powers available to us including imposing conditions under the Public Order Act.
"We are mindful that Jewish communities are experiencing heightened fear and concern following two-and-a-half years of sustained protest and, in recent months, a series of arsons and other attacks.
"There is a distinction between protesting in central London and protesting in the heart of communities where the potential to cause serious disruption and intimidation is greater and our policing plan reflects that."
Six people have been arrested so far after a clash near Edgware United Synagogue
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The Met Police confirmed they have made six arrests
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Speaking on how policing for the event was planned, the Met said a policing plan had been enacted prior to today’s event but extra officers were brought in to help support, with estimates suggesting around 1,000 protesters were in the area.
A statement said: "Conditions have now been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption to the local community.
"Pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-protesters from Stop the Hate must stay in their designated protest areas and not use any amplified equipment to make noise."
The Board of Deputies of British Jews Acting President, Adrian Cohen, said in a statement: "We are deeply disturbed at the wholly unjustified protest called for this morning outside a North-West London Synagogue.
"The event organisers have publicly refuted claims that the event is marketing real estate over the Green Line. It is very disappointing that MPs and other public figures have not acknowledged this and instead inflamed tensions through partial and misleading commentary.
"Protesting at a synagogue based on false pretences seems to be little more than an excuse to harass and intimidate the Jewish community.
"We have been in touch with the Metropolitan Police calling for protestors to be kept from intimidating members of the community, to police robustly any examples of hate speech, and to provide reassurance to the local community.
"We are calling on the police to ensure such protests are kept a significant distance from places of worship to prevent intimidation to members of the Jewish community."
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The protest took place outside Edgware United Synagogue
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Concern was raised about a reported event at the synagogue
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The venue was reportedly hosting a gathering called the Great Israeli Estate Event, which has been accused of advertising the sale of land in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
On Friday, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I share concerns about the Great Israeli Real Estate Event taking place in our city, which I oppose, and that's why I've discussed this directly with the Met Police.
"I'm informed that any allegations of criminality relating to the potentially unlawful sale of property at the event would be assessed by the Met with a view to investigation."
GB News has contacted the Home Office for comment.
In a statement to GB News, Edgware United Synagogue shared an email that has been sent to members, which reads: "Dear members and friends,
"You are probably aware of a planned demonstration and counter demonstration in the vicinity of our synagogue today, related to an event being held on our premises.
"This is a private, and wholly legitimate event, for which our community is now being subject to harassment and bullying by external groups.
"There has been significant misinformation in the press claiming that this is selling land in the 'Greater Israel' and many assertions that this event is illegal.
"This event is promoting land ONLY WITHIN the Green Line and is strictly adhering to the law.
"Over the past 48 hours, we have been working very closely with the CST and the Police to ensure that all of the necessary security arrangements are in place, and they will both have a very visible presence over the coming hours.
"We thank the CST and the Police for all their efforts to support and protect us. However, please can we ask everyone in the area to be vigilant and cautious.
"I hope you will agree with me that we must all reject this disgraceful attempt to prevent our community in Edgware from going about our lives freely and proudly."