Police arrest 365 people at protest in support of proscribed group Palestine Action

Police have made 365 arrests in London after crowds turned out for a Palestine Action demonstration - despite the group being banned.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said there were also seven other arrests for offences including five for assaulting officers. It added: "Fortunately none were seriously injured." Organisers Defend Our Juries had earlier said up to 700 people were at the event in Parliament Square and claimed police were preparing for the "largest mass arrest in their history".

The group said those arrested included former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, NHS workers, quakers and a blind wheelchair user. Earlier this afternoon, the Met said a "significant number of people" were seen "displaying placards expressing support for Palestine Action, which is a proscribed group".

The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, thanked the police for "dealing with the very small number of people whose actions crossed the line into criminality". She added: "The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation.

"Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage. "It also follows an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre that the group prepares for terrorism, as well as concerning information referencing plans and ideas for further attacks, the details of which cannot yet be publicly reported due to ongoing legal proceedings.

"Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear - this is not a non-violent organisation. UK national security and public safety must always be our top priority." But the protests have put a strain on the authorities capacity to cope.

Sky News understands senior leaders in the prison service, known as "Capacity Gold.