Six held in Syria embassy protest (From The Oxford Times)
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Six held in Syria embassy protest
2:27pm Saturday 4th February 2012 in National News © Press Association 2011
Anti-Syrian regime protesters march in Bensh, Idlib Province, northern Syria amid continuing unrest in the country
Six people have been arrested after gaining entry to the Syrian embassy in London as a protest erupted at the building, Scotland Yard said.
Around 150 demonstrators descended on the embassy in Belgrave Square amid reports of more than 200 people killed in a deadly barrage in the city of Homs.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a number of people were arrested for public order offences after the demonstration broke out at 2am on Saturday and "appropriate policing" was in place.
Windows were reportedly smashed at the building as the protest broke out.
The Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers are at the scene and appropriate policing is in place. Five males gained entry to the building. They have now been arrested."
It comes as the United Nations Security Council prepares to meet on Saturday to take up a much-negotiated resolution backing an Arab League peace plan for Syria.
The movement at the UN came as activists said Syrian forces used tanks and machine guns to kill at least 200 people and wound hundreds in Homs, in what appeared to be the bloodiest episode since the uprising began.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) condemned the break in - which led to two police officers being taken to hospital with minor injuries.
"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office condemns the actions of protesters who broke into the Syrian Embassy in London in the early hours," a spokesman said. "The UK takes seriously its obligations to protect the staff and premises of foreign states in the UK. The FCO commends the swift action of the Metropolitan Police who have arrested a number of the protesters involved in the break-in.
"Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the two officers who were hospitalised as a result of injuries sustained while responding to the protests. The Metropolitan Police are reviewing security arrangements at the Syrian Embassy and will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of its staff and building."
