Four people have been injured and one has been arrested after supporters of the Iranian government clashed with dissidents protesting outside a London vigil to President Ebrahim Raisi, who died last week in a helicopter crash.
An event was organised at an office building on Alperton Lane, Wembley, north-west London by supporters of the Iranian government to mark the death Raisi, 63, branded the ‘Butcher of Tehran‘ for his mass executions of thousands in the 1988.
Anti-government protesters gathered outside the venue and were met by pro-government supporters, who then attacked them, according to witnesses.
The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene outside the Dewan Al-Kafeel centre, in the office block, at 6.21pm on Friday following reports of a disorder.
Officers and Met resources attended and were joined by paramedics, who treated four people for non-life threatening or life-changing injuries.
Four people have been injured and one has been arrested after supporters of the Iranian government clashed with dissidents protesting outside a London vigil to President Ebrahim Raisi, who died last week in a helicopter crash
A protester was attacked by supporters of the Iranian government and was treated by paramedics
One man was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, the force said.
Further enquiries into the incident are now being made by police officers.
A dispersal order has been implemented in the area and remained in effect until 3am on Saturday.
Video shared on social media of the incident shows supporters of the Iranian regime confront protesters, who were playing music, with one repeatedly shouting ‘f*** off’ though the gates the the office complex.
Men then rushed out and started attacking the protesters and a woman, who was filming, was pushed over and then kicked her as she lay on the floor by the man who shouted ‘f*** off’ through the gate.
This woman was later sent to hospital for treatment, MailOnline understands.
Another video shows paramedics treating a man who is lying on the ground after having been attacked. It is understood that he was also taken to hospital for his injuries.
This man shouted ‘f*** you f*** you’ through the gate then proceeded to kick a woman who had been pushed over
Chaos at the scene on Alperton Lane, Wembley, north-west London yesterday
Exiled Iranian dissident Niyak Ghorbani, 37, who attended the protest, told MailOnline: ‘Today, the Islamic Republic held a mourning ceremony in London for the death of its president.
‘We coordinated with friends to show that Iranians are very happy about this event by dancing and celebrating.
‘When the police arrived there, they [protesters] played the song “Helicopter” and started dancing and celebrating. This angered the supporters of the Islamic Republic, who then attacked our friends.’
Mr Ghorbani has indicated that he wishes to protest at a candlelit vigil for the late president of Iran which is due to take place outside the Embassy in central London on Saturday at 7pm.
Raisi was killed after a helicopter carrying him and other officials crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared on Monday that the nation will observe five days of mourning in honor of Raisi. However, Iranians across the globe took to social media using the hashtag ‘Happy Helicopter Day’ to share their celebrations of this death.
Ad for the memorial for President Ebrahim Raisi which took place yesterday in Wembley
Protesters have indicated they will attend a vigil for Raesi at the Iranian Embassy in London on Saturday
The Met issued a statement which read: ‘At 18.21hrs on Friday, 24 May officers were called to Alperton Lane, Wembley following reports of disorder.
‘An event was taking place to mark the death of the President of Iran, attended by supporters of the Iranian government.
‘Anti-government protesters had gathered outside the venue and clashes had broken out between the groups.
‘Local officers attended, supported by resources from elsewhere in the Met.
‘Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were also deployed.
‘Four people were injured and were treated by paramedics. Their injuries are not believed to be either life threatening or life changing.
‘A dispersal order was implemented, requiring those involved to leave the area. It will remain in force until 03.00hrs.
‘One man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. Further enquiries will now follow to establish what further offences took place and to identify those involved.
‘This will include an examination of footage shared on social media.
‘Anyone with other footage or information is encouraged to call 101, to message @MetCC or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with the reference 6379/24MAY.’