Seven men have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after an incident outside the Iranian embassy in central London left two people injured.
Police were called to reports of an altercation taking place in Princes Gate, South Kensington, just before 10am on Friday.
Around 40 protesters, some with Israeli and other flags, had earlier been held in pen close to the building overlooking Hyde Park, according to witnesses.
Fighting occurred within protesters from “the pro and anti-Iranian regime”, the Met said.
The incident comes amid the Israel-Iran conflict as US President Donald Trump decides on whether to take military action against Tehran.
London Ambulance Service treated two patients at the scene and took one to hospital and another to a major trauma centre.
Scotland Yard said officers have cordoned off the area while initial investigations take place.
The witness saw the aftermath as paramedics rushed to help two victims on the ground.
He said: “One looked like he had a broken leg. The second man was in a very bad state. He was covered in blood and his face wounded.
“I saw the police arrive. There must be 50 of them and they arrested several men. The suspects were taken away in handcuffs in separate vehicles.”
The seven arrested men, whose ages have not yet been given, currently remain in police custody.
Officers remain at the scene and the area has been cordoned off while initial investigations take place.
Police have imposed conditions to stop protestors from gathering in the area until 1pm on Sunday. One man was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of breaching them.
The Metropolitan Police said: “Officers are on scene in Princes Gate, SW1 following an altercation during a protest.
“They were called to the location at 9.53am on Friday, June 20.
“Conditions have since been put in place to prevent serious disorder. This stops protestors from gathering in the area until 1pm on Sunday, June 22.
“One man has been taken into police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of breaching the above conditions.
“Seven other men remain in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
“The two men treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service are in hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.”
Footage shared on social media appeared to show two men lying on the ground in a fenced-off section of the road.
One man, who was shirtless, had blood covering his nose and mouth, while the other man lay motionless clutching his left leg and ankle, with police officers attending both individuals.
London Ambulance Service added: “We were called at 9.56am today to reports of an assault in Princes Gate, SW7.
“We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars and our Tactical Response Unit.
“We treated two patients at the scene and took one to hospital and one to a major trauma centre.”
