Particle.news
Download on the App Store

86 Arrested After Protesters Breach Wormwood Scrubs in Support of Hunger-Striking Activist

The arrests followed a protest over a detainee who has escalated a prolonged hunger strike to refusing fluids.

Overview

  • Metropolitan Police say 86 people were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass after protesters entered a staff entrance area, refused to leave, and allegedly blocked staff and threatened officers.
  • The demonstration supported 22-year-old Umer Khalid, who has moved from a months-long hunger strike to refusing liquids and is considered vulnerable due to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
  • Videos shared by campaign accounts appeared to show protesters inside a locker room or vestibule at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, though police and officials said no one got past security.
  • The Ministry of Justice called the escalation unacceptable, stated prison security was not compromised, and said prisoners are managed under established policy with regular medical checks and monitoring.
  • Campaign groups accused police of kettling and using disproportionate force during the operation, a claim that conflicts with the Met’s account as investigations and custody processing continue.