London Police Horses Injured In Anonymous’ Million Mask March

London Police Horses Injured
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe with Embassy, an injured police horse. London's Metropolitan Police Service on Friday released images of Embassy, a police horse injured during the Million Mask March, and details of other service equines harmed. Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Police

LONDON, Nov. 6 (UPI) — London’s Metropolitan Police said Friday six of its service horses were injured during the Anonymous hacking group’s Million Mask March, and at least one equine appeared to have been intentionally targeted.

Police said horse Embassy was injured after protesters set off fireworks aimed at police horses that were being used to help control Thursday’s march. Thousands marched around some of the most visited sites in London night in the protest.

Six police horses were injured, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement Friday.

Quartz injured his hind leg possibly due to broken glass. Qwerty was injured in his hindquarters. Heather’s fetlock was cut on one of her hind legs. Illustrious’s eye was injured, apparently by a stick. Quixote injured his front legs.

The so-called Million Mask March was held in various cities around the world protesting government surveillance and corporate greed, but in Britain it coincided with the annual Bonfire Night, which revved up protests, leading to the destruction of a police car, several arrests and some minor injuries.

Bonfire Night commemorates the execution of Guy Fawkes, the Catholic terrorist who attempted to blow up Parliament and assassinate the king in the 17th century. Many protesters wore Guy Fawkes masks.

Police said 2,000 officers were deployed for the march. Officers arrested 50 people for “a variety of offenses.” One person was charged with assault on police.

“Throughout this week we’ve policed a number of peaceful protests, something we have a proud tradition of doing, many of which pass by without notice,” Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said in a statement Friday. “And of course last night, my officers were well and truly in the front line. Fortunately, the four injured officers are doing ok. The most seriously injured was a mounted officer who was thrown from his horse, Embassy, after they had fireworks thrown at them in the mall.

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