punjab

Updated: Oct 23, 2015 15:32 IST

Arterial roads and key areas of central London were gridlocked on Thursday as hundreds of Sikhs held a protest demonstration outside the Indian high commission against the recent deaths in Punjab and related incidents.

One officer of the Metropolitan Police received head injuries when a section of the peaceful protest turned violent. Traffic on the Strand, Aldwych and nearby areas of central London was stalled as the police contained the demonstration.

The police said: “The Metropolitan Police Service was aware of a planned demonstration at the Indian High Commission. Whilst it was initially a peaceful protest the demonstrators blocked the roadway at the Aldwych and caused significant disruption to the central London road network”.

“During an altercation, one officer suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital. There are no reports of any of other injuries. At this stage police believe a number of offences may have been committed. There have been 20 arrests - the majority of which have been for affray”.

Organisers said the demonstration was part of the ‘Sikh Lives Matter’ campaign across the globe. It was intended to raise awareness about issues faced by Sikhs in Punjab and to show solidarity, they added.