Eric Garner death: 76 arrested at London Westfield demo Published duration 11 December 2014

media caption An estimated 600 people gathered at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush for the so-called "die-in" demonstration

Police have arrested 76 people who were taking part in a mass protest at a major west London shopping centre.

An estimated 600 people gathered at Westfield in Shepherd's Bush for the so-called "die-in" demonstration.

Police said the arrests were made when a breakaway group assaulted security staff and damaged property.

The protest was in solidarity with rallies in the US prompted by the death of Eric Garner, a black man who died during an arrest in New York in July.

Two peaceful protests were held in west London on Wednesday evening, one inside the Westfield shopping mall and one outside.

image copyright Nat Skywalker image caption Police said about 600 people had gathered near Shepherd's Bush Green

It is believed those staging the occupation were asked to move outside, a request that was peacefully complied with, Scotland Yard said.

But, according to a police statement, a group then tried to gain access to the centre and were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and one man was held on suspicion of assault.

media caption Two peaceful protests were held in west London on Wednesday evening, one inside the Westfield shopping mall and one outside

The Metropolitan Police said they dealt with the protesters using tactics "including a containment for the purpose of preventing violence and effecting arrests".

Commanding officer Ch Supt Mark Bird said: "We will always work with those that wish to demonstrate lawfully - as the majority of protesters did yesterday.

"However, we will not tolerate the small minority that offer violence or commit other criminal acts, such as that witnessed outside Westfield."

The Met said their inquiries into the incident were continuing.

Could not breathe

Mr Garner, 43, was stopped on a street in New York on 17 July on suspicion of selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.

Police officers wrestled him to the ground and he complained he could not breathe as he was restrained in an apparent chokehold. He became unresponsive and later died.

image copyright Amira Mane image caption Westfield said it wanted to ensure the safety of shoppers and retailers

image copyright Tariq Fajr Gibson image caption Protesters moved from the shopping centre towards Shepherd's Bush Green

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in the US in protest over his death and that of Michael Brown, 18, who was killed in Ferguson, Missouri on 9 August.

Grand juries in Missouri and New York have decided not to charge the officers involved.