Seventy-two people have been arrested over supporting proscribed terror group Palestine Action at a demonstration held outside Woolwich Crown Court, the Metropolitan Police said. Police vans arrived outside the court to ferry demonstrators away after the first person was arrested at about 1.20pm.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “A number of arrests have been made during a protest in south east London.

“Seventy-two people have been arrested for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation – Palestine Action – at a demonstration outside Woolwich Crown Court.

“All are currently in police custody.”