At least 175 people have been arrested over pro-Palestine protests in London which are taking place in defiance of calls by politicians and police bosses to reconsider after the Manchester synagogue terror attack.
The Metropolitan Police arrested protesters for offences including supporting the banned terror group Palestine Action.
The arrests include six people who were detained for unfurling a banner backing the proscribed group on Westminster Bridge.
The bulk of the arrests occurred in Trafalgar Square, where protesters held placards showing their support for Palestine Action.
Organisers Defend Our Juries said more than a thousand people have gathered at the square to hold a mass silent vigil protesting the proscription.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had urged protesters to "respect the grief of British Jews", while Jewish figures have called the action "phenomenally tone deaf" following Thursday's killing of two people in the terror attack.
In a statement on Twitter, the Met said: "Officers have begun making arrests in Trafalgar Square where people are displaying placards in support of Palestine Action.
"The square is busy, but quite a few people in the crowd appear to be observing/supporting but not carrying placards themselves."
A similar event held by Greater Manchester Friends of Palestine is also taking place.
A crowd of around 100 pro-Palestinian supporters have gathered outside Manchester Cathedral ahead of a march.
Police intervened when counter-protesters approached, shouting: "F*** Hamas", and: "God bless the IDF".
A leader of the Community Security Trust described the protests as "phenomenally tone deaf".
Dave Rich, director of policy at the charity which provides security to the Jewish community, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I think it's phenomenally tone deaf, to say the least, for so many people who claim to care about human rights and care about freedoms, to be taking police resources away from protecting the rights and freedoms of Jewish people to live their lives and go to synagogue in safety, all to support a proscribed terrorist organisation, which is not the same thing as supporting the Palestinians.
"And I think it's remarkably self absorbed and insensitive to say the least."
But a member of the group behind the London protest said it would be "unwise" to heed calls to cancel it.
Human rights campaigner Jonathon Porritt said: "I have no doubt whatsoever that everyone taking part in the Defend Our Juries's silent vigil today will demonstrate huge respect and real grief for those affected by the absolute atrocity at Heaton Park.
"But I don't think that means that we should be asked to give up on our right to stand up for those who are being devastated by an ongoing, real-time genocide in Gaza."
Asked about calls from politicians to delay the protest, he said: "I think that would be an unwise move for Defend Our Juries.
"We've been persistent in trying to bring these concerns to the attention of the Government."
Police urge group to call off plans
The Met had urged the group to call off its plans, with Commissioner Mark Rowley saying: "At a time when we want to be deploying every available officer to ensure the safety of those communities, we are instead having to plan for a gathering of more than 1,000 people in Trafalgar Square on Saturday in support of a terrorist organisation.
"By deliberately choosing to encourage mass law breaking on this scale, Defend Our Juries are drawing valuable resources away from the communities of London at a time when they are needed most."
Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police Stephen Watson urged would-be attendees at the protest to "consider whether this is really the right time".
Police forces have deployed extra officers to synagogues and other Jewish buildings to offer protection and reassurance in the aftermath of the attack.
Mr Starmer said events could cause further turmoil for families of victims and the Jewish communities.
Writing in The Jewish Chronicle, and The Jewish News, the UK Prime Minister said: "I urge anyone thinking about protesting this weekend to recognise and respect the grief of British Jews this week.
"This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain."
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