Following claims of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street, Scotland Yard has issued twenty fixed penalty notices for violations of COVID guidelines.&nbsp;

The force initiated an inquiry in January into 12 incidents in 2020 and 2021 where COVID limitations may have been violated.

According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, "The investigation into allegations of breaches of COVID-19 regulations in Whitehall and Downing Street has now progressed to the point where the first referrals for fixed penalty notices (FPN) will be made to the ACRO Criminal Records Office."

"We will today initially begin to refer 20 fixed penalty notices to be issued for breaches of the COVID-19 regulations. The ACRO Criminal Records Office will then be responsible for issuing the FPNs to the individual following the referrals from the MPS."

The Telegraph first reported that two Downing Street parties were hosted the night before the Duke of Edinburgh's burial in April last year, while the UK was in a time of national mourning and large-scale indoor social mixing was still prohibited.

The cops are looking into these individuals.

Watch | UK Downing Street: Metropolitan Police begin interviews with key Party witnesses

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After work, advisers and government servants met for two different celebrations to commemorate Mr. Johnson's former director of communications and one of the PM's personal photographers, James Slack.

The two parties eventually merged and drew a total of 30 people, with witnesses reporting that alcohol was consumed and guests danced to music.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following claims of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street, Scotland Yard has issued twenty fixed penalty notices for violations of COVID guidelines. The force initiated an inquiry in January into 12 incidents in 2020 and 2021 where COVID limitations may have been violated.

Following claims of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street, Scotland Yard has issued twenty fixed penalty notices for violations of COVID guidelines. The force initiated an inquiry in January into 12 incidents in 2020 and 2021 where COVID limitations may have been violated. According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, "The investigation into allegations of breaches of COVID-19 regulations in Whitehall and Downing Street has now progressed to the point where the first referrals for fixed penalty notices (FPN) will be made to the ACRO Criminal Records Office." "We will today initially begin to refer 20 fixed penalty notices to be issued for breaches of the COVID-19 regulations. The ACRO Criminal Records Office will then be responsible for issuing the FPNs to the individual following the referrals from the MPS." The Telegraph first reported that two Downing Street parties were hosted the night before the Duke of Edinburgh's burial in April last year, while the UK was in a time of national mourning and large-scale indoor social mixing was still prohibited. The cops are looking into these individuals. Watch | UK Downing Street: Metropolitan Police begin interviews with key Party witnesses After work, advisers and government servants met for two different celebrations to commemorate Mr. Johnson's former director of communications and one of the PM's personal photographers, James Slack. The two parties eventually merged and drew a total of 30 people, with witnesses reporting that alcohol was consumed and guests danced to music. (With inputs from agencies)

Downing Street parties: UK Police to hand out first set of 20 penalty notices

When the 33-year-old Sarah Everard was brutally assaulted and murdered by a police officer, questions about misogynistic behaviour in the UK police was raised. The head of the organisation has now demanded that sexist culture in the department to end immediately.<o:p></o:p>

After the death of the London girl, Sarah Everard, a former chief constable of Nottinghamshire police, Susannah Fish, had come forward and admitted that the organisation is "institutionally misogynistic". She also claimed that she had been sexually harassed by her colleagues when she was a police officer.<o:p></o:p>

Now, John Apter, the chair of the&nbsp;Police&nbsp;Federation of England and Wales, has also acknowledged the problem of misogynistic behaviour exists in the police force all over the country, and it immediately needs to be stopped to protect the female workforce.<o:p></o:p>

The chief added that the problem of sexist and misogynistic behaviour is not something that just affects women, but damages the society as a whole.<o:p></o:p>

"Misogyny is not just a problem for women, it’s a problem for us all. Far too often there is silence when this takes place, and through this inaction we are failing each other and wider society," he said. "We need to consign to the history books some of our 'canteen culture', where sexist nicknames and derogatory remarks are made. When banter crosses the line to become sexist, derogatory or homophobic, that’s when it ceases to be banter, and this is where we need a recalibration."<o:p></o:p>

Apter has urged his colleagues to make sure that all the sexist nicknames, derogatory remarks towards women and other such sexist practices are 'consigned to the history books'.<o:p></o:p>

"Maintaining public confidence in policing is essential, so we have to accept that we have a problem, as only then can we deal with it," Apter said. "Cultural change is never easy, and this is not unique to policing, but just because it’s not easy doesn’t mean we mustn’t try. Doing nothing is not an option."<o:p></o:p>

He also added that public’s trust in the police has declined since the murder of Sarah Everard, and admitted that actions of one man cannot be labelled as his sole deed. He added that every individual in the force needs to act on their words of improvement in their behaviour, rather than dismiss this topic by saying it is just one person’s actions.<o:p></o:p>

"Sarah Everard's horrific murder has impacted on our relationship with the public. Everyone in policing must face that. It's not enough to say that this was the actions of one evil man who deserves to rot in jail,"&nbsp;he said. "We must demonstrate not only through our words, but also through our actions, that sexism and misogyny have absolutely no place in the police service."<o:p></o:p>

When the 33-year-old Sarah Everard was brutally assaulted and murdered by a police officer, questions about misogynistic behaviour in the UK police was raised. The head of the organisation has now demanded that sexist culture in the department to end immediately.

When the 33-year-old Sarah Everard was brutally assaulted and murdered by a police officer, questions about misogynistic behaviour in the UK police was raised. The head of the organisation has now demanded that sexist culture in the department to end immediately. After the death of the London girl, Sarah Everard, a former chief constable of Nottinghamshire police, Susannah Fish, had come forward and admitted that the organisation is "institutionally misogynistic". She also claimed that she had been sexually harassed by her colleagues when she was a police officer. Now, John Apter, the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, has also acknowledged the problem of misogynistic behaviour exists in the police force all over the country, and it immediately needs to be stopped to protect the female workforce. The chief added that the problem of sexist and misogynistic behaviour is not something that just affects women, but damages the society as a whole. "Misogyny is not just a problem for women, it’s a problem for us all. Far too often there is silence when this takes place, and through this inaction we are failing each other and wider society," he said. "We need to consign to the history books some of our 'canteen culture', where sexist nicknames and derogatory remarks are made. When banter crosses the line to become sexist, derogatory or homophobic, that’s when it ceases to be banter, and this is where we need a recalibration." Apter has urged his colleagues to make sure that all the sexist nicknames, derogatory remarks towards women and other such sexist practices are 'consigned to the history books'. "Maintaining public confidence in policing is essential, so we have to accept that we have a problem, as only then can we deal with it," Apter said. "Cultural change is never easy, and this is not unique to policing, but just because it’s not easy doesn’t mean we mustn’t try. Doing nothing is not an option." He also added that public’s trust in the police has declined since the murder of Sarah Everard, and admitted that actions of one man cannot be labelled as his sole deed. He added that every individual in the force needs to act on their words of improvement in their behaviour, rather than dismiss this topic by saying it is just one person’s actions. "Sarah Everard's horrific murder has impacted on our relationship with the public. Everyone in policing must face that. It's not enough to say that this was the actions of one evil man who deserves to rot in jail," he said. "We must demonstrate not only through our words, but also through our actions, that sexism and misogyny have absolutely no place in the police service."

UK police officers need to end sexist and misogynistic behaviour: Chief

Are British Royals above the law? British police have decided to not take action against Prince Andrew. He is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old who was trafficked by American financier Jeffrey Epstein. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: UK Police to not take action against Prince Andrew

Police arrested at least 36 people after thousands turned out in the British capital to protest against ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Anti-lockdown demonstrations by hundreds or even thousands have occurred regularly during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police Service said it had made 36 arrests, most for breaching months-old virus regulations that outlaw leaving home except for a limited number of reasons.

Several thousand people were estimated to have gathered for the demonstrations, which began Saturday lunchtime at Hyde Park, holding banners with slogans such as "Stop Destroying Our Kids` Lives" and "Fake Pandemic".

After the crowd marched through central London, a group of around 100 returned to the park where police said they threw missiles at officers. &nbsp;

Officials said several people were injured as a result of targetted assaults.

England's Covid-19 lockdown measures have been in place since early January, when Britain saw a surge in infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-lawmakers-call-for-protests-to-be-allowed-in-england-during-lockdown-371923">Also read |&nbsp;Over 60 lawmakers call for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown&nbsp;</a>

The situation has improved markedly since then, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month outlined a gradual easing of the restrictions, with the stringent stay-at-home order set to end later this month.

Under England's coronavirus rules it is unlawful for groups to gather for the purpose of protest, but opposition to such measures has grown this week, not specifically related to anti-lockdown demonstrations.

Police were criticised for using heavy-handed tactics to break up an outdoor vigil for 33-year-old Sarah Everard on March 13. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder.

More than 60 British lawmakers wrote to interior minister Priti Patel on Friday calling for protests to be allowed during lockdown and saying that attending a demonstration should not be a criminal offence.

"We call on you to expressly exempt protests from restrictions on gatherings," lawmakers, including Conservative Member of Parliament Steve Baker and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said in the letter, which was organised by campaign groups Liberty and Big Brother Watch.

There were three consecutive nights of protest in London earlier this week, fuelled by the police reaction to the vigil for Everard, and anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations.

(with inputs from agencies)

Police arrested at least 36 people after thousands turned out in the British capital to protest against ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Anti-lockdown demonstrations by hundreds or even thousands have occurred regularly during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests.

Police arrested at least 36 people after thousands turned out in the British capital to protest against ongoing coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Anti-lockdown demonstrations by hundreds or even thousands have occurred regularly during the pandemic, often resulting in a small number of arrests. On Saturday, the Metropolitan Police Service said it had made 36 arrests, most for breaching months-old virus regulations that outlaw leaving home except for a limited number of reasons. Several thousand people were estimated to have gathered for the demonstrations, which began Saturday lunchtime at Hyde Park, holding banners with slogans such as "Stop Destroying Our Kids` Lives" and "Fake Pandemic". After the crowd marched through central London, a group of around 100 returned to the park where police said they threw missiles at officers. Officials said several people were injured as a result of targetted assaults. England's Covid-19 lockdown measures have been in place since early January, when Britain saw a surge in infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths. Also read | Over 60 lawmakers call for protests to be allowed in England during lockdown The situation has improved markedly since then, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month outlined a gradual easing of the restrictions, with the stringent stay-at-home order set to end later this month. Under England's coronavirus rules it is unlawful for groups to gather for the purpose of protest, but opposition to such measures has grown this week, not specifically related to anti-lockdown demonstrations. Police were criticised for using heavy-handed tactics to break up an outdoor vigil for 33-year-old Sarah Everard on March 13. A police officer has been charged with her kidnap and murder. More than 60 British lawmakers wrote to interior minister Priti Patel on Friday calling for protests to be allowed during lockdown and saying that attending a demonstration should not be a criminal offence. "We call on you to expressly exempt protests from restrictions on gatherings," lawmakers, including Conservative Member of Parliament Steve Baker and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said in the letter, which was organised by campaign groups Liberty and Big Brother Watch. There were three consecutive nights of protest in London earlier this week, fuelled by the police reaction to the vigil for Everard, and anger over government plans to tighten the law on demonstrations. (with inputs from agencies)

UK police arrest dozens of people at anti-lockdown protests

Police in London drove itself under fire as it&nbsp;handcuffed mourners at a vigil for a woman who was murdered after setting out to walk home.

Sarah Everard`s disappearance as she walked home on the evening of March 3 had led to a wave of accounts from women about the dangers of walking streets alone at night, and dismay at the failure of police and wider society to tackle this.

On Saturday, as the protests spilled on to the streets, officers scuffled with some members of the hundreds-strong crowd that gathered despite coronavirus restrictions for a candlelit tribute close to the spot.

Reclaim These Streets -- who initially organised the event in south London's Clapham -- condemned the actions of officers "physically manhandling women at a vigil against male violence."

Social media footage showed police restraining and handcuffing some mourners, leading to an outpouring of criticism from across the political spectrum.

Both Home Secretary Priti Patel and London mayor Sadiq Khan said they had asked for explanations from the&nbsp;Metropolitan police over how the vigil was handled.

Organisers had cancelled the vigil after police outlawed it because of Covid-19 restrictions, but hundreds still turned out, with tensions overspilling as Saturday night fell.

Mourners shouted "shame on you" at police, with tensions running high as a man arrested in connection with Everard's murder is an officer.

In the hours following the vigil, rage mounted with pressure groups &nbsp;and politicians condemning police actions.

Early on Saturday, an impromptu memorial with flowers and candles sprang up around the bandstand on Clapham Common in southwest London, near where Everard was last seen alive.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who is responsible for policing in the city - said the officers` response "was at times neither appropriate or proportionate" and added that he was seeking an urgent explanation from Dick.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he and his partner Carrie Symonds would light a candle in memory of Everard.

"I will do everything I can to make sure the streets are safe and ensure women and girls do not face harassment or abuse," he said.

England`s police watchdog has launched an investigation into the Metropolitan Police`s handling of the case.

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serving-uk-police-officer-charged-with-murder-of-33-year-old-woman-370174">Also read |&nbsp;Serving UK police officer charged with murder of 33-year-old woman</a>

Appearing at London`s Westminster Magistrates` Court on Saturday morning, 48-year-old police officer Wayne Couzens, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his identity. Couzens`s lawyer did not enter a plea to the charges of kidnap and murder ahead of a fuller court hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Couzens remains in custody.

Police discovered Everard`s body on Wednesday in woodland about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of London. The court heard that her body was found in a builder`s refuse bag, and was identified using dental records. Couzens joined the Metropolitan Police in 2018 and guarded foreign embassies before his arrest.

(with inputs from agencies)

Police in London drove itself under fire as it handcuffed mourners at a vigil for a woman who was murdered after setting out to walk home. Sarah Everard`s disappearance as she walked home on the evening of March 3 had led to a wave of accounts from women about the dangers of walking streets alone at night, and dismay at the failure of police and wider society to tackle this.

Police in London drove itself under fire as it handcuffed mourners at a vigil for a woman who was murdered after setting out to walk home. Sarah Everard`s disappearance as she walked home on the evening of March 3 had led to a wave of accounts from women about the dangers of walking streets alone at night, and dismay at the failure of police and wider society to tackle this. On Saturday, as the protests spilled on to the streets, officers scuffled with some members of the hundreds-strong crowd that gathered despite coronavirus restrictions for a candlelit tribute close to the spot. Reclaim These Streets -- who initially organised the event in south London's Clapham -- condemned the actions of officers "physically manhandling women at a vigil against male violence." Social media footage showed police restraining and handcuffing some mourners, leading to an outpouring of criticism from across the political spectrum. Both Home Secretary Priti Patel and London mayor Sadiq Khan said they had asked for explanations from the Metropolitan police over how the vigil was handled. Organisers had cancelled the vigil after police outlawed it because of Covid-19 restrictions, but hundreds still turned out, with tensions overspilling as Saturday night fell. Mourners shouted "shame on you" at police, with tensions running high as a man arrested in connection with Everard's murder is an officer. In the hours following the vigil, rage mounted with pressure groups and politicians condemning police actions. Early on Saturday, an impromptu memorial with flowers and candles sprang up around the bandstand on Clapham Common in southwest London, near where Everard was last seen alive. London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who is responsible for policing in the city - said the officers` response "was at times neither appropriate or proportionate" and added that he was seeking an urgent explanation from Dick. Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he and his partner Carrie Symonds would light a candle in memory of Everard. "I will do everything I can to make sure the streets are safe and ensure women and girls do not face harassment or abuse," he said. England`s police watchdog has launched an investigation into the Metropolitan Police`s handling of the case. British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old. Also read | Serving UK police officer charged with murder of 33-year-old woman Appearing at London`s Westminster Magistrates` Court on Saturday morning, 48-year-old police officer Wayne Couzens, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his identity. Couzens`s lawyer did not enter a plea to the charges of kidnap and murder ahead of a fuller court hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Couzens remains in custody. Police discovered Everard`s body on Wednesday in woodland about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of London. The court heard that her body was found in a builder`s refuse bag, and was identified using dental records. Couzens joined the Metropolitan Police in 2018 and guarded foreign embassies before his arrest. (with inputs from agencies)

UK police under fire after crackdown on vigil for murdered woman

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety.

Constable Wayne Couzens, 48, who guarded diplomatic buildings, will appear in court on Saturday. Everard disappeared while walking home from a friend's house in south London on March 3.

The Metropolitan police had confirmed that a body found in a wood outside London was that of the missing woman.

Her case has led to an outpouring of personal accounts by women of their own experiences and fears of walking streets alone at night, and a campaign for action to address this.

"The investigation continues of course," Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave told reporters. "I would like to use this opportunity to encourage anyone that thinks they might have useful information to give, to get in contact with us."

He had said earlier in the day that he understood the hurt and anger sparked by the case. "Those are sentiments that I share personally," Ephgrave said. "I also recognise the wider concerns that are being raised quite rightly about the safety of women in public spaces in London and also elsewhere in the country."

Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said she would do all she could to protect women and girls following the outcry that has followed Everard's disappearance.

"Every woman &amp; girl should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear of harassment, abuse or violence," she said on Twitter.

However, police have been criticised by organisers of a planned "Reclaim These Streets" vigil on Saturday near to where Everard was last seen, after officers said it could not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A woman in her 30s, who media said was the partner of Couzens, was released on police bail after having been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety.

British police have charged an officer with the kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, whose disappearance last week has sparked anger and fears among women about their safety. Constable Wayne Couzens, 48, who guarded diplomatic buildings, will appear in court on Saturday. Everard disappeared while walking home from a friend's house in south London on March 3. The Metropolitan police had confirmed that a body found in a wood outside London was that of the missing woman. Her case has led to an outpouring of personal accounts by women of their own experiences and fears of walking streets alone at night, and a campaign for action to address this. "The investigation continues of course," Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave told reporters. "I would like to use this opportunity to encourage anyone that thinks they might have useful information to give, to get in contact with us." He had said earlier in the day that he understood the hurt and anger sparked by the case. "Those are sentiments that I share personally," Ephgrave said. "I also recognise the wider concerns that are being raised quite rightly about the safety of women in public spaces in London and also elsewhere in the country." Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said she would do all she could to protect women and girls following the outcry that has followed Everard's disappearance. "Every woman & girl should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear of harassment, abuse or violence," she said on Twitter. However, police have been criticised by organisers of a planned "Reclaim These Streets" vigil on Saturday near to where Everard was last seen, after officers said it could not take place due to COVID-19 restrictions. A woman in her 30s, who media said was the partner of Couzens, was released on police bail after having been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Serving UK police officer charged with murder of 33-year-old woman

UK police on Friday said that seven Nigerian men have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to hijack an oil tanker off the coast of southern England last year will face no further action.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-lives-matter-activists-note-contrast-in-police-response-at-capitol-355386" hreflang="en">Black Lives Matter activists note contrast in police response at Capitol</a>

According to police in the southern county of Hampshire, prosecutors made the decision following the emergence of "additional evidence" during the investigation.

"After additional maritime expert evidence came to light, we concluded there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and discontinued the case," prosecutor Sophie Stevens said in a statement released by police.

The men, who smuggled themselves aboard in the Nigerian city of Lagos, were found on the Nave Andromeda oil tanker. It sparked a special forces raid as the vessel passed near the Isle of Wight.

Police arrested them on suspicion of "seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force" after a mayday call from the 43,000-tonne tanker.

As per police, the seven will remain detained under immigration powers.&nbsp;

Two of the group had previously been charged and already appeared in court.

According to detectives, the men threatened the 22-member crew, forcing them to seek sanctuary in the ship's citadel, from where they raised the alarm.

The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned vessel, which was six miles (10 kilometres) off the Isle of Wight on England's south coast at the time, was eventually taken to the port of Southampton.

(Inputs from AFP)

UK police on Friday said that seven Nigerian men have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to hijack an oil tanker off the coast of southern England last year will face no further action.

UK police on Friday said that seven Nigerian men have been arrested on suspicion of attempting to hijack an oil tanker off the coast of southern England last year will face no further action. ALSO READ: Black Lives Matter activists note contrast in police response at Capitol According to police in the southern county of Hampshire, prosecutors made the decision following the emergence of "additional evidence" during the investigation. "After additional maritime expert evidence came to light, we concluded there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and discontinued the case," prosecutor Sophie Stevens said in a statement released by police. The men, who smuggled themselves aboard in the Nigerian city of Lagos, were found on the Nave Andromeda oil tanker. It sparked a special forces raid as the vessel passed near the Isle of Wight. Police arrested them on suspicion of "seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force" after a mayday call from the 43,000-tonne tanker. As per police, the seven will remain detained under immigration powers. Two of the group had previously been charged and already appeared in court. According to detectives, the men threatened the 22-member crew, forcing them to seek sanctuary in the ship's citadel, from where they raised the alarm. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned vessel, which was six miles (10 kilometres) off the Isle of Wight on England's south coast at the time, was eventually taken to the port of Southampton. (Inputs from AFP)

Seven Nigerian men accused in UK of tanker 'hijack' to face no action

British police said on Sunday they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, and British media said a small number of stowaways had been found.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation said the vessel was the tanker Nave Andromeda.

Sky News said up to seven stowaways had been discovered on board, and broadcast live images of the ship. The BBC cited lawyers for the ship`s owners as saying it was "100% not a hijacking". Reuters has contacted the owners for comment.

Police did not immediately confirm details of the incident to Reuters. Britain`s interior ministry, which is responsible for border control, did not have any immediate comment.

The local police force said in a statement, "We are aware and dealing with an ongoing incident onboard a vessel which is situated south of the Isle of Wight".

The coastguard agency said search and rescue helicopters were attending the incident but did not give details. 
Refinitiv vessel tracking data showed the Liberia-flagged Nave Andromeda had been expected to arrive in the English port of Southampton at 1030 GMT on Sunday. The vessel had departed from Lagos, Nigeria, the data showed.

The Nave Andromeda`s registered owner is Folegandros Shipping Corp, and the vessel is managed by Greek shipping company Navios Tankers Management Inc., according to Refinitiv.

A spokesperson for the UK Chamber of Shipping said: “We are aware of an incident onboard the Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight and are in contact with the relevant authorities. We believe it is likely to be related to stowaways onboard but are awaiting more information.”

Lawmaker Bob Seely, who represents the Isle of Wight constituency closest to the vessel, told Sky News he expected the incident to be handled by marine counter-terrorism forces, but that it was too early to call it a hijacking.

In December 2018 British forces stormed an Italian cargo ship and regained control after stowaways threatened crew members as it sailed close to the coast of southeast England.

British police said on Sunday they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, and British media said a small number of stowaways had been found.

British police said on Sunday they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, and British media said a small number of stowaways had been found. Two sources with knowledge of the situation said the vessel was the tanker Nave Andromeda. Sky News said up to seven stowaways had been discovered on board, and broadcast live images of the ship. The BBC cited lawyers for the ship`s owners as saying it was "100% not a hijacking". Reuters has contacted the owners for comment. Police did not immediately confirm details of the incident to Reuters. Britain`s interior ministry, which is responsible for border control, did not have any immediate comment. The local police force said in a statement, "We are aware and dealing with an ongoing incident onboard a vessel which is situated south of the Isle of Wight". The coastguard agency said search and rescue helicopters were attending the incident but did not give details. Refinitiv vessel tracking data showed the Liberia-flagged Nave Andromeda had been expected to arrive in the English port of Southampton at 1030 GMT on Sunday. The vessel had departed from Lagos, Nigeria, the data showed. The Nave Andromeda`s registered owner is Folegandros Shipping Corp, and the vessel is managed by Greek shipping company Navios Tankers Management Inc., according to Refinitiv. A spokesperson for the UK Chamber of Shipping said: “We are aware of an incident onboard the Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight and are in contact with the relevant authorities. We believe it is likely to be related to stowaways onboard but are awaiting more information.” Lawmaker Bob Seely, who represents the Isle of Wight constituency closest to the vessel, told Sky News he expected the incident to be handled by marine counter-terrorism forces, but that it was too early to call it a hijacking. In December 2018 British forces stormed an Italian cargo ship and regained control after stowaways threatened crew members as it sailed close to the coast of southeast England.

UK police deal with incident aboard tanker off English coast

UK Police Federation has urged the public not to treat this weekend as a 'party weekend' ahead of coronavirus restrictions coming into force from Monday. John Apter, National Chair of Police Federation of England and Wales issued a statement to this effect.

“There is a real risk some members of the public will take advantage of the current situation and treat this weekend as a party weekend ahead of the tighter restrictions being introduced on Monday," he said.

He further said that it will be "incredibly irresponsible" if people did not take precautions and police, the ambulance service and National Health Service would be affected.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/johnson-accuses-eu-of-plotting-food-blockade-on-uk-327029">Johnson accuses EU of plotting food 'blockade' on UK</a> 
 
He had stern message for those flouting rules.

“We are in the grip of a deadly pandemic and we have seen cases increasing over recent weeks. Policing is under pressure like never before, but my colleagues will give enforcement notices if they feel it’s appropriate, and we make no apology for doing so,” he said.

The new rules that will come in effect in England stipulate that an assembly of six or more people indoors and outdoors should be avoided.

UK Police Federation has urged the public not to treat this weekend as a 'party weekend' ahead of coronavirus restrictions coming into force from Monday. John Apter, National Chair of Police Federation of England and Wales issued a statement to this effect.

UK Police Federation has urged the public not to treat this weekend as a 'party weekend' ahead of coronavirus restrictions coming into force from Monday. John Apter, National Chair of Police Federation of England and Wales issued a statement to this effect. “There is a real risk some members of the public will take advantage of the current situation and treat this weekend as a party weekend ahead of the tighter restrictions being introduced on Monday," he said. He further said that it will be "incredibly irresponsible" if people did not take precautions and police, the ambulance service and National Health Service would be affected. Also Read | Johnson accuses EU of plotting food 'blockade' on UK He had stern message for those flouting rules. “We are in the grip of a deadly pandemic and we have seen cases increasing over recent weeks. Policing is under pressure like never before, but my colleagues will give enforcement notices if they feel it’s appropriate, and we make no apology for doing so,” he said. The new rules that will come in effect in England stipulate that an assembly of six or more people indoors and outdoors should be avoided.

UK Coronavirus: Avoid considering this a 'party weekend', police union tells public

One London police officer was suspended on Friday after a video of an arrest appeared to show an officer kneeling on a Black suspect's neck. Footage of the arrest in north London emerged on the social media, and showed two officers holding down the handcuffed man on the pavement.

The suspect in the video was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon, following reports of a fight, and remains in police custody.

“Get off me ... get off my neck,“ the struggling man can be heard shouting in the video.

“I haven’t done anything wrong, get off my neck,” the man told the police officers.

One of the two officers asks, “Are you going to behave yourself?”

He is eventually released from the ground and continues to talk to officers after they sit him up.

London and other major cities have witnessed large Black Lives Matter protests inspired by racial justice following the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, US on May 25.

The Metropolitan Police has now referred the incident for investigation by the independent police watchdog.

One London police officer was suspended on Friday after a video of an arrest appeared to show an officer kneeling on a Black suspect's neck. Footage of the arrest in north London emerged on the social media, and showed two officers holding down the handcuffed man on the pavement.

One London police officer was suspended on Friday after a video of an arrest appeared to show an officer kneeling on a Black suspect's neck. Footage of the arrest in north London emerged on the social media, and showed two officers holding down the handcuffed man on the pavement. The suspect in the video was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon, following reports of a fight, and remains in police custody. “Get off me ... get off my neck,“ the struggling man can be heard shouting in the video. “I haven’t done anything wrong, get off my neck,” the man told the police officers. One of the two officers asks, “Are you going to behave yourself?” He is eventually released from the ground and continues to talk to officers after they sit him up. London and other major cities have witnessed large Black Lives Matter protests inspired by racial justice following the death of African-American George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, US on May 25. The Metropolitan Police has now referred the incident for investigation by the independent police watchdog.

UK police officer suspended after video showed him kneeling on Black man's neck

The organisation which deals with police complaints in England and Wales on Friday announced a review into whether forces discriminate against ethnic minorities.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the probe, to begin in the coming months, will initially look into the use of stop and search powers and the use of force.

It comes amid growing scrutiny of police attitudes to black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities in Britain following the Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death in US police custody of an unarmed black man, George Floyd.

The head of London's Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, this week apologised to British sprinter Bianca Williams for the "distress" caused when she and her partner were stopped by police. Nothing was found in the search.

"Evidence of disproportionality in the use of police powers has long been a concern which impacts on confidence in policing, particularly in the BAME communities," said IOPC director general Michael Lockwood.

"But even with the numbers and the statistics, particularly from stop and search data, we still need to better understand the causes and what can and should be done to address this."

Race discrimination will become a "thematic area of focus, to establish the trends and patterns which might help drive real change", he said.

Black people were more than eight times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people in 2016-17, according to a 2018 study by drugs charity Release and the London School of Economics.

Police forces currently deal with the majority of complaints where discrimination is alleged themselves, about 32,000 a year, according to the IOPC, but the watchdog will now take on more of these.

As well as looking at stop and search and use of force, the IOPC will review how forces treat allegations of hate crime against BAME communities and allegations that police do not treat BAME victims of crime, as victims.

In 1999, the Met Police were branded institutionally racist for their bungling of a high-profile racially motivated killing of a black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, six years earlier.

The report, and subsequent public outcry, led to an overhaul of the force.

The organisation which deals with police complaints in England and Wales on Friday announced a review into whether forces discriminate against ethnic minorities.

The organisation which deals with police complaints in England and Wales on Friday announced a review into whether forces discriminate against ethnic minorities. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the probe, to begin in the coming months, will initially look into the use of stop and search powers and the use of force. It comes amid growing scrutiny of police attitudes to black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities in Britain following the Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the death in US police custody of an unarmed black man, George Floyd. The head of London's Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, this week apologised to British sprinter Bianca Williams for the "distress" caused when she and her partner were stopped by police. Nothing was found in the search. "Evidence of disproportionality in the use of police powers has long been a concern which impacts on confidence in policing, particularly in the BAME communities," said IOPC director general Michael Lockwood. "But even with the numbers and the statistics, particularly from stop and search data, we still need to better understand the causes and what can and should be done to address this." Race discrimination will become a "thematic area of focus, to establish the trends and patterns which might help drive real change", he said. Black people were more than eight times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people in 2016-17, according to a 2018 study by drugs charity Release and the London School of Economics. Police forces currently deal with the majority of complaints where discrimination is alleged themselves, about 32,000 a year, according to the IOPC, but the watchdog will now take on more of these. As well as looking at stop and search and use of force, the IOPC will review how forces treat allegations of hate crime against BAME communities and allegations that police do not treat BAME victims of crime, as victims. In 1999, the Met Police were branded institutionally racist for their bungling of a high-profile racially motivated killing of a black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, six years earlier. The report, and subsequent public outcry, led to an overhaul of the force.

UK police watchdog to assess racial bias among officers

British sprinter Bianca Williams has said on Monday that she is planning to take legal action against the police after accusing them of racial profiling her and her partner in a stop-and-search operation in London.

Williams also rejected police's claim that her car was driven on the wrong side of the road on Saturday.&nbsp;

"They (the officers) said there's a lot of youth violence and stabbings in the area and that the car looked very suspicious," she told BBC radio.

"They see a black male driving a nice car, an all-black car, and they assume that he was involved in some sort of gang, drug, violence problem.

"That is false. We were never on the wrong side of the road. We were driving down through single-width roads."

The 26-year-old Commonwealth and European 100m relay gold medallist said that her partner Ricardo dos Santos, who is a Portuguese sprinter had been stopped by the police around 10 times.&nbsp;

"We are planning on taking it down the legal route," she said. "I feel very hurt by their actions... It's an awful experience."

Britain's former Olympic champion Linford Christie, who is also Bianca's coach, filmed the entire incident and posted it on Twitter. The video was captioned: "Racist police aren't just in America".

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Racist police aren't just in America <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BLM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BLM</a> <a href="https://t.co/7DKgLnGPhc">pic.twitter.com/7DKgLnGPhc</a>
— Linford Christie (@ChristieLinford) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristieLinford/status/1279464555547168768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Metropolitan police have reviewed the footage from social media and officers' bodycams and were satisfied there was no concern around the conduct of the police officers.

"I understand the concern when incidents like this happen and how they can appear when part of it is filmed without context," said Met commander for central west London Helen Harper.

"Due to the concern raised, we conducted a review of the stop. This included social media footage and body-worn camera footage of the officers at the scene.

"We are satisfied that there are no misconduct issues."

British sprinter Bianca Williams has said on Monday that she is planning to take legal action against the police after accusing them of racial profiling her and her partner in a stop-and-search operation in London.

British sprinter Bianca Williams has said on Monday that she is planning to take legal action against the police after accusing them of racial profiling her and her partner in a stop-and-search operation in London. Williams also rejected police's claim that her car was driven on the wrong side of the road on Saturday. "They (the officers) said there's a lot of youth violence and stabbings in the area and that the car looked very suspicious," she told BBC radio. "They see a black male driving a nice car, an all-black car, and they assume that he was involved in some sort of gang, drug, violence problem. "That is false. We were never on the wrong side of the road. We were driving down through single-width roads." The 26-year-old Commonwealth and European 100m relay gold medallist said that her partner Ricardo dos Santos, who is a Portuguese sprinter had been stopped by the police around 10 times. "We are planning on taking it down the legal route," she said. "I feel very hurt by their actions... It's an awful experience." Britain's former Olympic champion Linford Christie, who is also Bianca's coach, filmed the entire incident and posted it on Twitter. The video was captioned: "Racist police aren't just in America". Racist police aren't just in America #BLM pic.twitter.com/7DKgLnGPhc — Linford Christie (@ChristieLinford) July 4, 2020 × The Metropolitan police have reviewed the footage from social media and officers' bodycams and were satisfied there was no concern around the conduct of the police officers. "I understand the concern when incidents like this happen and how they can appear when part of it is filmed without context," said Met commander for central west London Helen Harper. "Due to the concern raised, we conducted a review of the stop. This included social media footage and body-worn camera footage of the officers at the scene. "We are satisfied that there are no misconduct issues."

'Hurtful experience': British sprinter accuses police of racial profiling

Twenty-two police officers were injured during trouble at an unauthorised music event in London. Crowds attacked some patrol cars in the ensuing brawl, British authorities said on Thursday.

Parties have been banned during Britain’s coronavirus lockdown, though there have been some breaches.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the scenes as “appalling”, adding: “Violence against the police will not be tolerated.”

Police said they had been attacked when responding to complaints about noise, anti-social behaviour and violence in the Brixton area.

At least two of the injured officers required hospital treatment. Some police cars were damaged and four people were arrested.

Images on social media showed a crowd - with one person holding an object that looked like a sword - confronting officers and attacking a police car.

Twenty-two police officers were injured during trouble at an unauthorised music event in London. Crowds attacked some patrol cars in the ensuing brawl, British authorities said on Thursday.

Twenty-two police officers were injured during trouble at an unauthorised music event in London. Crowds attacked some patrol cars in the ensuing brawl, British authorities said on Thursday. Parties have been banned during Britain’s coronavirus lockdown, though there have been some breaches. A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the scenes as “appalling”, adding: “Violence against the police will not be tolerated.” Police said they had been attacked when responding to complaints about noise, anti-social behaviour and violence in the Brixton area. At least two of the injured officers required hospital treatment. Some police cars were damaged and four people were arrested. Images on social media showed a crowd - with one person holding an object that looked like a sword - confronting officers and attacking a police car.

More than 20 police officers injured after clashes at illegal street party in London

Police in France and Belgium have arrested more than two dozen suspects over the deaths last year of 39 Vietnamese migrants in the UK.

Police arrest 26 over UK Vietnamese migrant truck deaths

UK police confirms that no one else was involved in the London Bridge knife attack that claimed the lives of two people.

London Bridge attack: UK PM Boris Johnson visits attack site

British police said on Thursday an allegation against the late financier Jeffrey Epstein regarding trafficking for sexual exploitation would not proceed to a full criminal investigation, maintaining a previously made decision.

Epstein's suicide on August&nbsp;10, at age 66, came a little over a month after the well-connected money manager was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. He had pleaded not guilty.

London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it had received an allegation in 2015 of non-recent trafficking against Epstein and a British woman whom it did not name.

The allegation related to trafficking to central London in March 2001.

It concluded the following year that it would not launch a full criminal investigation as the focus would largely be on activities and relationships outside Britain.

"In August 2019, following the death of Jeffrey Epstein, the MPS reviewed the decision making and our position remains unchanged," the police said.

British police said on Thursday an allegation against the late financier Jeffrey Epstein regarding trafficking for sexual exploitation would not proceed to a full criminal investigation, maintaining a previously made decision.

British police said on Thursday an allegation against the late financier Jeffrey Epstein regarding trafficking for sexual exploitation would not proceed to a full criminal investigation, maintaining a previously made decision. Epstein's suicide on August 10, at age 66, came a little over a month after the well-connected money manager was arrested and charged with trafficking dozens of underage girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 to 2005. He had pleaded not guilty. London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it had received an allegation in 2015 of non-recent trafficking against Epstein and a British woman whom it did not name. The allegation related to trafficking to central London in March 2001. It concluded the following year that it would not launch a full criminal investigation as the focus would largely be on activities and relationships outside Britain. "In August 2019, following the death of Jeffrey Epstein, the MPS reviewed the decision making and our position remains unchanged," the police said.

UK police say they will not launch criminal probe into Epstein allegation

British police said Saturday specialist officers are assessing allegations of electoral fraud ahead of next month's vote, following accusations the ruling Conservatives tried to bribe Brexit Party candidates to stand down.

London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it had received "two allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice in relation to the 2019 general election", without providing further details.

"Both allegations are currently being assessed," it said in a statement, noting its special enquiry team is responsible for investigating such cases.

The Met added it will not be providing further comment on individual cases.

Arch eurosceptic Nigel Farage, who founded the Brexit Party earlier this year, has accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Tories of "corruption of the worst level" by offering his candidates jobs and peerages to withdraw from the December 12 election.

Farage has alleged figures in Downing Street, including Johnson's chief adviser Edward Lister, called as many as eight candidates to discuss the incentives to quit the race.

Ann Widdecombe, a Brexit Party candidate in a seat in southwest England, said she was offered a role in the government's post-election Brexit negotiating team if she withdrew.

The prime minister has denied any peerages have been offered, while cabinet colleague Michael Gove told BBC Radio on Saturday that he was "not aware" of any such offers.

"I can't imagine for a second that this is true," he said of Widdecombe's accusation.

The police investigation comes after Charles Falconer, a House of Lords peer from the main opposition Labour Party, wrote to Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and public prosecutors urging them to examine the allegations.

The Brexit Party are standing in 275 of Britain's 650 parliamentary constituencies in next month's poll.

It unilaterally withdrew from 317 seats the Conservatives won in the last election in 2017, amid fears of splitting the eurosceptic vote and allowing pro-European parties to get a working majority.

But Farage has refused to stand down in other key battleground seats, despite calls to do so from pro-Brexit public figures.

He argues his party has a better chance of winning constituencies traditionally held by Labour than the Conservatives.

British police said Saturday specialist officers are assessing allegations of electoral fraud ahead of next month's vote, following accusations the ruling Conservatives tried to bribe Brexit Party candidates to stand down.

British police said Saturday specialist officers are assessing allegations of electoral fraud ahead of next month's vote, following accusations the ruling Conservatives tried to bribe Brexit Party candidates to stand down. London's Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said it had received "two allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice in relation to the 2019 general election", without providing further details. "Both allegations are currently being assessed," it said in a statement, noting its special enquiry team is responsible for investigating such cases. The Met added it will not be providing further comment on individual cases. Arch eurosceptic Nigel Farage, who founded the Brexit Party earlier this year, has accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Tories of "corruption of the worst level" by offering his candidates jobs and peerages to withdraw from the December 12 election. Farage has alleged figures in Downing Street, including Johnson's chief adviser Edward Lister, called as many as eight candidates to discuss the incentives to quit the race. Ann Widdecombe, a Brexit Party candidate in a seat in southwest England, said she was offered a role in the government's post-election Brexit negotiating team if she withdrew. The prime minister has denied any peerages have been offered, while cabinet colleague Michael Gove told BBC Radio on Saturday that he was "not aware" of any such offers. "I can't imagine for a second that this is true," he said of Widdecombe's accusation. The police investigation comes after Charles Falconer, a House of Lords peer from the main opposition Labour Party, wrote to Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and public prosecutors urging them to examine the allegations. The Brexit Party are standing in 275 of Britain's 650 parliamentary constituencies in next month's poll. It unilaterally withdrew from 317 seats the Conservatives won in the last election in 2017, amid fears of splitting the eurosceptic vote and allowing pro-European parties to get a working majority. But Farage has refused to stand down in other key battleground seats, despite calls to do so from pro-Brexit public figures. He argues his party has a better chance of winning constituencies traditionally held by Labour than the Conservatives.

UK police probing election fraud allegations

UK police announced that they believed all 39 victims in the truck found in Essex were Vietnamese.

Essex Lorry Deaths Case: All 39 victims formally Identified

The 39 migrants found dead in a refrigerated truck near London are believed to be Vietnamese, police said Friday as they renewed their appeal for two men to help with the investigation.

"At this time, we believe the victims are Vietnamese nationals, and we are in contact with the Vietnamese government," Essex Police chief Tim Smith said in a statement.

"We are in direct contact with a number of families in Vietnam and the UK, and we believe we have identified families for some of the victims whose journey ended in tragedy on our shores," he said.

But he added that the "confirmatory evidence" required to name the victims had not yet been obtained.

Police have also said they wanted to speak to Ronan and Christopher Hughes, two brothers in the haulage business from Northern Ireland, in connection with the discovery of the bodies at an industrial estate last month.

Police had initially said the victims were believed to be Chinese nationals.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan Stoten said on a visit to Belfast that officers had already spoken to Ronan Hughes by telephone but needed to talk to him again in person.

"The sooner we can make this happen the sooner we can progress and continue with our investigation," he said.

The victims -- eight women and 31 men -- were found in a truck that entered Britain on a ferry from Belgium.

Post-mortem examinations are being carried out and no formal cause of death has been released.

A multinational police investigation is now underway in a case that has shocked Britain and renewed debates about ways to stop human trafficking.

In Vietnam, police on Friday announced the arrest of two people for trafficking in connection with the deaths.

The pair were accused of "organising and brokering for other people to go abroad and stay abroad illegally", a Vietnamese police statement said.

In Dublin, a 23-year-old man from Northern Ireland appeared at Ireland's High Court for the start of extradition proceedings to bring him to Britain.

He is charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, as well as immigration and human trafficking offences.

The 25-year-old driver of the refrigerated lorry, also from Northern Ireland, has been charged with manslaughter, money laundering and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

Three other people have been arrested and released on police bail.

The 39 migrants found dead in a refrigerated truck near London are believed to be Vietnamese, police said Friday as they renewed their appeal for two men to help with the investigation.

The 39 migrants found dead in a refrigerated truck near London are believed to be Vietnamese, police said Friday as they renewed their appeal for two men to help with the investigation. "At this time, we believe the victims are Vietnamese nationals, and we are in contact with the Vietnamese government," Essex Police chief Tim Smith said in a statement. "We are in direct contact with a number of families in Vietnam and the UK, and we believe we have identified families for some of the victims whose journey ended in tragedy on our shores," he said. But he added that the "confirmatory evidence" required to name the victims had not yet been obtained. Police have also said they wanted to speak to Ronan and Christopher Hughes, two brothers in the haulage business from Northern Ireland, in connection with the discovery of the bodies at an industrial estate last month. Police had initially said the victims were believed to be Chinese nationals. Detective Chief Inspector Dan Stoten said on a visit to Belfast that officers had already spoken to Ronan Hughes by telephone but needed to talk to him again in person. "The sooner we can make this happen the sooner we can progress and continue with our investigation," he said. The victims -- eight women and 31 men -- were found in a truck that entered Britain on a ferry from Belgium. Post-mortem examinations are being carried out and no formal cause of death has been released. A multinational police investigation is now underway in a case that has shocked Britain and renewed debates about ways to stop human trafficking. In Vietnam, police on Friday announced the arrest of two people for trafficking in connection with the deaths. The pair were accused of "organising and brokering for other people to go abroad and stay abroad illegally", a Vietnamese police statement said. In Dublin, a 23-year-old man from Northern Ireland appeared at Ireland's High Court for the start of extradition proceedings to bring him to Britain. He is charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, as well as immigration and human trafficking offences. The 25-year-old driver of the refrigerated lorry, also from Northern Ireland, has been charged with manslaughter, money laundering and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Three other people have been arrested and released on police bail.

Migrant lorry victims believed to be Vietnamese: UK police

Anti-India protest are expected to be held in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The UK Police has assured proper security for the Indian High Commission.

Pro-Pakistani groups have planned to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today on the day of Diwali.&nbsp;

After being denied the permission to protests outside India House on Diwali, the protesters have now seem to have come up with another plan.&nbsp;

The protesters have planned to hold an alternative 'digital campaign' outside the Indian High Commission today.&nbsp;

With this, the pressure seems to mount on the British government to ban today's anti-India march in London.

London's Pak-origin Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that such a march will only deepen divisions among the people in the British capital.&nbsp;

Khan had said that the march must be canceled, maintaining that he does not have the power to ban it and passing the buck to the UK Home Secretary.&nbsp;

When WION tried to reach the British Home Secretary regarding the anti-India protests, the UK Home Office responded saying that neither the home secretary nor the police has&nbsp;the power to ban a static protest while ministers cannot initiate bans on marches.

On Thursday, the London Mayor wrote a letter to Navin Shah - a British lawmaker of Indian origin. Shah had actively campaigned for a ban on the anti-India march.

In his letter, the London Mayor admitted that the protesters could still breach the conditions and assemble at the Indian High Commission. The India House in London has already witnessed two violent protests this year.&nbsp;

Anti-India protest are expected to be held in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The UK Police has assured proper security for the Indian High Commission. Pro-Pakistani groups have planned to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today on the day of Diwali.

Anti-India protest are expected to be held in London, United Kingdom on Sunday. The UK Police has assured proper security for the Indian High Commission. Pro-Pakistani groups have planned to protest outside the Indian High Commission in London today on the day of Diwali. After being denied the permission to protests outside India House on Diwali, the protesters have now seem to have come up with another plan. The protesters have planned to hold an alternative 'digital campaign' outside the Indian High Commission today. With this, the pressure seems to mount on the British government to ban today's anti-India march in London. London's Pak-origin Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that such a march will only deepen divisions among the people in the British capital. Khan had said that the march must be canceled, maintaining that he does not have the power to ban it and passing the buck to the UK Home Secretary. When WION tried to reach the British Home Secretary regarding the anti-India protests, the UK Home Office responded saying that neither the home secretary nor the police has the power to ban a static protest while ministers cannot initiate bans on marches. On Thursday, the London Mayor wrote a letter to Navin Shah - a British lawmaker of Indian origin. Shah had actively campaigned for a ban on the anti-India march. In his letter, the London Mayor admitted that the protesters could still breach the conditions and assemble at the Indian High Commission. The India House in London has already witnessed two violent protests this year.

Anti-India protests expected to hit London, UK Police assures security to Indian High Commission 

British police warned on Friday that press and social media speculation about the identities of the 39 people found dead in a lorry in Essex may hinder the investigation. 3 more suspects are in the UK police custody.

Essex Lorry death case: 3 more suspects in UK police custody

The Chinese embassy in London on Thursday&nbsp;urged the local police to find out the truth "as soon as possible" after reports that police had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/39-bodies-found-near-london-in-truck-container-uk-police-257701">found 39 Chinese nationals</a> dead in a lorry.

They also added that British police have not yet been able to confirm that the 39 people found dead in the back of truck were Chinese nationals, in a statement posted on the embassy's website.

Paramedics and police found the bodies of 31 men and eight women on Wednesday (October 23) on an industrial estate at Grays in Essex, about 20 miles (30 km) east of London.

For years, illegal immigrants have stowed away in trucks while attempting to reach Britain, often from the European mainland. In 2000, 58 Chinese were found dead in a tomato truck at the port of Dover.

The Chinese embassy in London on Thursday urged the local police to find out the truth "as soon as possible" after reports that police had found 39 Chinese nationals dead in a lorry.

The Chinese embassy in London on Thursday urged the local police to find out the truth "as soon as possible" after reports that police had found 39 Chinese nationals dead in a lorry. They also added that British police have not yet been able to confirm that the 39 people found dead in the back of truck were Chinese nationals, in a statement posted on the embassy's website. Paramedics and police found the bodies of 31 men and eight women on Wednesday (October 23) on an industrial estate at Grays in Essex, about 20 miles (30 km) east of London. For years, illegal immigrants have stowed away in trucks while attempting to reach Britain, often from the European mainland. In 2000, 58 Chinese were found dead in a tomato truck at the port of Dover.

Essex lorry deaths: China's embassy urges UK police to 'find out the truth' about 39 bodies discovered in truck

Britain launched a major murder investigation after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/39-bodies-found-near-london-in-truck-container-uk-police-257701">39 bodies were found</a> Wednesday in a truck from Bulgaria, as police tried to establish where the victims were originally from.

All victims were pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London, triggering revulsion among politicians and once again putting the spotlight on the shadowy people trafficking business.

The local Essex Police force, who are working with immigration officials, said their priority was to try to identify the victims, thought at this stage to be 38 adults and one teenager.

The truck driver, a 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.

Watch Video:

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The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park.

Officers in white forensic suits could be seen working by the truck and a white tent was erected outside.

Ambulance services said the victims were already dead by the time they arrived.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," he added.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident, who remains in police custody."

The tragedy sparked questions about the route taken by the truck -&nbsp;and whether people trafficking had played a part.

In August 2015, at the peak of Europe's migration crisis, the bodies of 71 migrants including a baby girl were found piled up in the back of a poultry refrigerator lorry left in Austria.

Investigations later revealed they had been transported along the Balkan migrant route and left to suffocate in the back of the truck after the driver dumped the vehicle near the Hungarian border.&nbsp;

The truck discovered on Thursday is left-hand drive, indicating that it was not British or Irish.

Police said it was thought the lorry entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland.

The UK and the Republic of Ireland are not in the European Union's no-borders Schengen zone but have their own historic Common Travel Area, meaning there are no checks on the movement of goods or people between the two.

Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association which represents truck drivers in Britain, said: "Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased but whatever the circumstances, it highlights the danger of migrant gangs people-smuggling on lorries."

Jackie Doyle-Price, the MP representing the local Thurrock constituency surrounding Grays, said the news was "sickening".

"People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business," she said.

"Let's hope they bring these murderers to justice."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was receiving regular updates and sent his sympathies to the victims' families.

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I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives &amp; their loved ones.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1186936670169587712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I'm appalled by this tragic incident in Essex," he said.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones."

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Britain's interior minister, said she was "shocked and saddened".

"Home Office immigration officials will be working closely alongside them to establish how this horrific event came to happen."

Cases of this kind are rare in Britain.

In 2014, staff at the Tilbury container port -- next to Grays -- heard screaming and banging coming from inside a shipping container, and found 34 Afghan Sikhs alive inside suffering from severe dehydration, hypothermia and lack of air.

One man was found dead, having passed away during the sea crossing from Belgium.

In 2000, the bodies of 58 clandestine Chinese immigrants were discovered in a Dutch truck at the British port of Dover. Two people survived.

Britain launched a major murder investigation after 39 bodies were found Wednesday in a truck from Bulgaria, as police tried to establish where the victims were originally from.

Britain launched a major murder investigation after 39 bodies were found Wednesday in a truck from Bulgaria, as police tried to establish where the victims were originally from. All victims were pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London, triggering revulsion among politicians and once again putting the spotlight on the shadowy people trafficking business. The local Essex Police force, who are working with immigration officials, said their priority was to try to identify the victims, thought at this stage to be 38 adults and one teenager. The truck driver, a 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement. Watch Video: The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park. Officers in white forensic suits could be seen working by the truck and a white tent was erected outside. Ambulance services said the victims were already dead by the time they arrived. "We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner. "We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," he added. "We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident, who remains in police custody." The tragedy sparked questions about the route taken by the truck - and whether people trafficking had played a part. In August 2015, at the peak of Europe's migration crisis, the bodies of 71 migrants including a baby girl were found piled up in the back of a poultry refrigerator lorry left in Austria. Investigations later revealed they had been transported along the Balkan migrant route and left to suffocate in the back of the truck after the driver dumped the vehicle near the Hungarian border. The truck discovered on Thursday is left-hand drive, indicating that it was not British or Irish. Police said it was thought the lorry entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland. The UK and the Republic of Ireland are not in the European Union's no-borders Schengen zone but have their own historic Common Travel Area, meaning there are no checks on the movement of goods or people between the two. Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association which represents truck drivers in Britain, said: "Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased but whatever the circumstances, it highlights the danger of migrant gangs people-smuggling on lorries." Jackie Doyle-Price, the MP representing the local Thurrock constituency surrounding Grays, said the news was "sickening". "People trafficking is a vile and dangerous business," she said. "Let's hope they bring these murderers to justice." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was receiving regular updates and sent his sympathies to the victims' families. I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates and the Home Office will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 23, 2019 × "I'm appalled by this tragic incident in Essex," he said. "My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives and their loved ones." Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Britain's interior minister, said she was "shocked and saddened". "Home Office immigration officials will be working closely alongside them to establish how this horrific event came to happen." Cases of this kind are rare in Britain. In 2014, staff at the Tilbury container port -- next to Grays -- heard screaming and banging coming from inside a shipping container, and found 34 Afghan Sikhs alive inside suffering from severe dehydration, hypothermia and lack of air. One man was found dead, having passed away during the sea crossing from Belgium. In 2000, the bodies of 58 clandestine Chinese immigrants were discovered in a Dutch truck at the British port of Dover. Two people survived.

Britain launches murder investigation after 39 bodies found in truck container

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria.

Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager.

A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened."

The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40 am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," said Mariner.

He said it was thought the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue."

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London.

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager. A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder. "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement. "Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened." The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40 am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park. "We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner. "We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," said Mariner. He said it was thought the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland. "We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue."

39 bodies found near London in truck container: UK police

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday.

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in different areas in the central English city, West Midlands Police said in a statement.

The force added the incidents were "being treated as linked".

"We don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement.

"The force and the counter-terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible."

Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said.

Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites.

A fifth mosque later reported that windows had been smashed.

"Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added.

Some 22 per cent of the Birmingham population described themselves as Muslim in the 2011 census.

British national police chiefs last week announced officers were providing "reassurance patrols" around mosques in the immediate aftermath of Friday's deadly gun rampage at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Anti-racism groups have warned that Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain and spurring a spike in far-right activity in the country.

A report released last month by the Hope Not Hate charity cited a poll which found more than a third of Britons see Islam as "generally a threat to the British way of life".

In another recent incident, Mohammed Mahmoud -- an imam who won praise for shielding the perpetrator of a 2017 deadly terror attack against a north London mosque -- reported he was spat at and abused this week.

Mahmoud said he was targeted Monday while returning home from a solidarity event for the New Zealand massacre with other religious leaders, as well as interior minister Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday.

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in different areas in the central English city, West Midlands Police said in a statement. The force added the incidents were "being treated as linked". "We don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement. "The force and the counter-terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible." Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said. Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites. A fifth mosque later reported that windows had been smashed. "Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added. Some 22 per cent of the Birmingham population described themselves as Muslim in the 2011 census. British national police chiefs last week announced officers were providing "reassurance patrols" around mosques in the immediate aftermath of Friday's deadly gun rampage at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Anti-racism groups have warned that Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain and spurring a spike in far-right activity in the country. A report released last month by the Hope Not Hate charity cited a poll which found more than a third of Britons see Islam as "generally a threat to the British way of life". In another recent incident, Mohammed Mahmoud -- an imam who won praise for shielding the perpetrator of a 2017 deadly terror attack against a north London mosque -- reported he was spat at and abused this week. Mahmoud said he was targeted Monday while returning home from a solidarity event for the New Zealand massacre with other religious leaders, as well as interior minister Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

UK police probe attacks on five mosques in Birmingham

British police briefly shut London's Westminster bridge and roads close to parliament and the capital's police headquarters on Saturday due to a suspicious vehicle.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers had sealed off roads at Victoria Embankment next to the River Thames and close to New Scotland Yard, the head office of the Metropolitan Police, and by Parliament Square.

Images on social media showed a heavy police presence at the central London location that is popular with tourists. The roads were later re-opened.

"The incident in Victoria Embankment has now concluded," police said on Twitter. "The vehicle has been deemed non-suspicious. All roads will now be reopened."

The United Kingdom is on its second-highest level of terrorism alert after five attacks in 2017 killed a total of 36 people, including one incident on Westminster Bridge.

British police briefly shut London's Westminster bridge and roads close to parliament and the capital's police headquarters on Saturday due to a suspicious vehicle.

British police briefly shut London's Westminster bridge and roads close to parliament and the capital's police headquarters on Saturday due to a suspicious vehicle. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers had sealed off roads at Victoria Embankment next to the River Thames and close to New Scotland Yard, the head office of the Metropolitan Police, and by Parliament Square. Images on social media showed a heavy police presence at the central London location that is popular with tourists. The roads were later re-opened. "The incident in Victoria Embankment has now concluded," police said on Twitter. "The vehicle has been deemed non-suspicious. All roads will now be reopened." The United Kingdom is on its second-highest level of terrorism alert after five attacks in 2017 killed a total of 36 people, including one incident on Westminster Bridge.

British police briefly close roads near parliament over security alert

Police evacuated buildings at two British universities on Wednesday after receiving <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-link-small-bombs-sent-to-london-airports-and-rail-hub-201409">reports of suspicious packages</a>, a day after parcel bombs were sent to two airports and London's busiest train station.

Police in eastern England said they had put a cordon in place at the University of Essex and evacuated some buildings after receiving a call about a suspect package. The bomb squad had been called in.

In Scotland, the University of Glasgow also said several buildings had been shut and classes cancelled after a suspicious package was found in the mailroom.

Police had advised the buildings should be closed for the rest of the day but no further information was available on the nature of the package.&nbsp;

Police blow up device sent to University of Glasgow

Scottish police said they had carried out a controlled explosion on a device sent to the University of Glasgow and were liaising with officers in London where parcel bombs were sent to major transport hubs.

"The package was not opened and no one was injured," Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said. "The emergency services were alerted and several buildings within the estate were evacuated as a precaution. A controlled explosion of the device was carried out this afternoon."

Three small parcel bombs were sent to two airports and London's busiest train station on Tuesday. "It is too early to say whether there is a link," Johnson said.

Police evacuated buildings at two British universities on Wednesday after receiving reports of suspicious packages, a day after parcel bombs were sent to two airports and London's busiest train station.

Police evacuated buildings at two British universities on Wednesday after receiving reports of suspicious packages, a day after parcel bombs were sent to two airports and London's busiest train station. Police in eastern England said they had put a cordon in place at the University of Essex and evacuated some buildings after receiving a call about a suspect package. The bomb squad had been called in. In Scotland, the University of Glasgow also said several buildings had been shut and classes cancelled after a suspicious package was found in the mailroom. Police had advised the buildings should be closed for the rest of the day but no further information was available on the nature of the package. Police blow up device sent to University of Glasgow Scottish police said they had carried out a controlled explosion on a device sent to the University of Glasgow and were liaising with officers in London where parcel bombs were sent to major transport hubs. "The package was not opened and no one was injured," Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said. "The emergency services were alerted and several buildings within the estate were evacuated as a precaution. A controlled explosion of the device was carried out this afternoon." Three small parcel bombs were sent to two airports and London's busiest train station on Tuesday. "It is too early to say whether there is a link," Johnson said.

UK Police evacuate two universities after bomb scares

UK police say Brexit 'challenging' after lawmakers call for action over abuse

Four people were killed in an explosion and fire at a three-storey building in the central English city of Leicester, police said on Monday.

&quot;At this stage, there are four confirmed fatalities and four people remain in hospital, one with serious injuries,&quot; Leicestershire police said in a statement about the blast on Sunday evening.

Officers said there was no indication the explosion was related to terrorism but the cause had yet to be determined.&nbsp;

Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, which tore through the building in a residential area west of Leicester&#39;s city centre.

Police Superintendent Shane O&#39;Neill warned that the toll may yet rise further.

&quot;We believe there may be people who have not yet been accounted for and rescue efforts continue in order to locate any further casualties,&quot; he said.

Pictures and videos posted on social media showed a property engulfed in flames, with rubble and debris scattered around.

&quot;It was very scary,&quot; local resident Graeme Hudson said.

&quot;I live five minutes away... but my house shook. I went out and saw massive smoke and big flames.&quot;

Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, which tore through the building in a residential area west of Leicester's city centre

Four people were killed in an explosion and fire at a three-storey building in the central English city of Leicester, police said on Monday. "At this stage, there are four confirmed fatalities and four people remain in hospital, one with serious injuries," Leicestershire police said in a statement about the blast on Sunday evening. Officers said there was no indication the explosion was related to terrorism but the cause had yet to be determined. Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, which tore through the building in a residential area west of Leicester's city centre. Police Superintendent Shane O'Neill warned that the toll may yet rise further. "We believe there may be people who have not yet been accounted for and rescue efforts continue in order to locate any further casualties," he said. Pictures and videos posted on social media showed a property engulfed in flames, with rubble and debris scattered around. "It was very scary," local resident Graeme Hudson said. "I live five minutes away... but my house shook. I went out and saw massive smoke and big flames."

Four killed in Leicester shop explosion, cause yet to be determined: British Police

An explosion destroyed a convenience store and a home in the central English city of Leicester on Sunday, injuring at least six people, officials said.

British police said there was no immediate indication that the explosion was linked to terrorism.

Pictures and videos posted on Twitter showed flames leaping into the sky from the site which was reduced to rubble.

&quot;All emergency services are currently dealing with this,&quot; the police force said in a statement. &quot;Please avoid the area.&quot;

Later it said the blast was being investigated by the fire service. &quot;At this stage, there is no indication this is terrorist-related,&quot; Leicestershire police said.

A local hospital said two patients were in a critical condition and four people had less severe injuries.

A photograph published by the Leicester Mercury newspaper showed a blaze and the rubble of a destroyed building which the newspaper said housed a convenience store and a flat above it.

&quot;We heard an absolutely massive explosion. It was pretty frightening,&quot; the Mercury quoted an unidentified resident, who lives a few streets away, as saying.

&quot;We went to look out of the upstairs windows and saw loads of smoke, and then a few seconds later massive orange flames.&quot;

The city&#39;s fire department said it sent six fire engines after the reports of a large explosion and a building collapse.

The Leicester Mercury said debris had been blown across the road in front of the site.

Police said a number of other buildings were damaged and homes and businesses in the area had been evacuated.

British police said there was no immediate indication that the explosion was linked to terrorism

An explosion destroyed a convenience store and a home in the central English city of Leicester on Sunday, injuring at least six people, officials said. British police said there was no immediate indication that the explosion was linked to terrorism. Pictures and videos posted on Twitter showed flames leaping into the sky from the site which was reduced to rubble. "All emergency services are currently dealing with this," the police force said in a statement. "Please avoid the area." Later it said the blast was being investigated by the fire service. "At this stage, there is no indication this is terrorist-related," Leicestershire police said. A local hospital said two patients were in a critical condition and four people had less severe injuries. A photograph published by the Leicester Mercury newspaper showed a blaze and the rubble of a destroyed building which the newspaper said housed a convenience store and a flat above it. "We heard an absolutely massive explosion. It was pretty frightening," the Mercury quoted an unidentified resident, who lives a few streets away, as saying. "We went to look out of the upstairs windows and saw loads of smoke, and then a few seconds later massive orange flames." The city's fire department said it sent six fire engines after the reports of a large explosion and a building collapse. The Leicester Mercury said debris had been blown across the road in front of the site. Police said a number of other buildings were damaged and homes and businesses in the area had been evacuated.

Blast destroys shop and home in English city, six taken to hospital

British police said on Sunday there was no indication a reported explosion and building collapse that critically injured at least four people in Leicester, a central English city, was linked to terrorism.

&quot;The cause of the explosion will be the subject of a joint investigation by the police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service,&quot; local police said in a statement.

&quot;We would ask that the media and public do not speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident, but at this stage, there is no indication this is terrorist related.&quot;

The reported explosion and building collapse occurred Sunday evening on a stretch of road containing commercial and residential properties close to the city centre.

Businesses and homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated and those impacted were taken to a local police station as a temporary measure, police said.

Meanwhile, the electricity supply to a number of properties in the area has been cut while emergency services deal with the incident, it added.

The Fire and Rescue Service said it received calls shortly after 7:00 pm (1900 GMT) from the public reporting an explosion and a building fire.

It immediately dispatched six fire engines, a spokeswoman said.

&quot;We were en route when the police called to say a building had collapsed,&quot; she added.

Additional specialist search and rescue units were then dispatched, including a search and rescue dog, according to the spokeswoman.

&quot;We&#39;ve got no indication of what the cause is at this moment,&quot; the spokeswoman said.

Four people have been taken to hospital following the incident, the ambulance service said.

City hospital the Leicester Royal Infirmary said it was treating the four patients, who were &quot;in a critical condition&quot;.

It advised people to only attend its accident and emergency department &quot;if absolutely necessary&quot;.

The fire service spokeswoman also said representatives from gas and electric provider companies were in attendance at the scene, under routine procedures.

Pictures and videos posted on social media showed a property engulfed in flames visible from a distance, with rubble and debris scattered around.

Graeme Hudson told AFP he lives close to the scene and felt the blast.

&quot;It was very scary,&quot; he said. &quot;I live five minutes away... but my house shook. I went out and saw massive smoke and big flames.

&quot;I quickly went out to see what&#39;s happened,&quot; he added. &quot;(I) didn&#39;t stay for long there because (I felt) unsafe for my 11-year-old son.&quot; 
&nbsp;

The reported explosion and building collapse occurred Sunday evening on a stretch of road containing commercial and residential properties close to the city centre

British police said on Sunday there was no indication a reported explosion and building collapse that critically injured at least four people in Leicester, a central English city, was linked to terrorism. "The cause of the explosion will be the subject of a joint investigation by the police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service," local police said in a statement. "We would ask that the media and public do not speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident, but at this stage, there is no indication this is terrorist related." The reported explosion and building collapse occurred Sunday evening on a stretch of road containing commercial and residential properties close to the city centre. Businesses and homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated and those impacted were taken to a local police station as a temporary measure, police said. Meanwhile, the electricity supply to a number of properties in the area has been cut while emergency services deal with the incident, it added. The Fire and Rescue Service said it received calls shortly after 7:00 pm (1900 GMT) from the public reporting an explosion and a building fire. It immediately dispatched six fire engines, a spokeswoman said. "We were en route when the police called to say a building had collapsed," she added. Additional specialist search and rescue units were then dispatched, including a search and rescue dog, according to the spokeswoman. "We've got no indication of what the cause is at this moment," the spokeswoman said. Four people have been taken to hospital following the incident, the ambulance service said. City hospital the Leicester Royal Infirmary said it was treating the four patients, who were "in a critical condition". It advised people to only attend its accident and emergency department "if absolutely necessary". The fire service spokeswoman also said representatives from gas and electric provider companies were in attendance at the scene, under routine procedures. Pictures and videos posted on social media showed a property engulfed in flames visible from a distance, with rubble and debris scattered around. Graeme Hudson told AFP he lives close to the scene and felt the blast. "It was very scary," he said. "I live five minutes away... but my house shook. I went out and saw massive smoke and big flames. "I quickly went out to see what's happened," he added. "(I) didn't stay for long there because (I felt) unsafe for my 11-year-old son."

UK Police see no terror link in Leicester blast

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