Video shows police officer allegedly 'punching' a protester as University of London bans demonstrations on campus for six months
- - Met Police arrested 39 people on suspicion of affray
- - Group of 300 gathered at University of London
- - Footage appears to show officer 'punching' man
By EMMA THOMAS
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A police officer is seen to allegedly 'punch' a protester at a demonstration in London.
In footage taken by a freelance journalist at the University of London, an officer 'punches' a demonstrator in the face during a student occupation at the university's Senate House.
Met Police arrested 39 people on suspicion of affray after a group of around 300 protesters gathered at the university.
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Video: The footage was taken by a freelance journalist at the university
In the short clip, several protesters are seen around one police officer who appears to hit one man in a hoodie and jeans.
He falls to the floor and police continue to push the group back.
Officers say some of the group had their faces covered and were carrying home made shields. Smoke bombs and other objects were thrown at them as the group walked into the road.
Channel 4 News reports the University of London has banned protests on campus for the next six months and says students that hold sit-ins, including at Senate House, could be put in prison.
The University obtained a court order after the sit-in protests at Senate House on December 4 and 5.
Protesters wanted the university to pay its cleaners sick pay.
The order says 'any person notified of this order knowingly to assist in or permit a breach of this order may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized'.
The Metropolitan Police said three officers were injured in the demonstration.
Protest: The officer appears to punch a protester during the protest at the University of London
A spokesman said: 'We always encourage those who wish to protest to engage with us as early as possible so that we can work together to organise the event.
'On Wednesday, December 4, five people were arrested. Four people arrested for road traffic offences have been bailed, and one person has been charged with common assault.
'The following day a small number of officers were working with staff at the University on Thursday and became aware of a large group, of up to 300 people, gathered and making their way along Malet Street.
'Some had their faces covered, others carrying home made shields. Smoke bombs and other unknown objects were thrown at police. The group began to move into the roadway, in between moving traffic and split up into smaller groups running off into surrounding streets.
'39 people were arrested on suspicion of affray, all on bail to return to various dates in March 2014.
'As with all large public order incidents, a range of material will now be subject to review in order to establish the full facts.'
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