Mass Trespass at London Prison Leads to Dozens of Arrests
Almost 90 individuals have been arrested following a large-scale trespass incident at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London, according to Metropolitan Police statements. The arrests occurred after protesters breached the prison grounds in a demonstration supporting a hunger striker.
Details of the Incident and Police Response
The Met Police confirmed that 86 members of the group were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Authorities reported that the activists allegedly gained access through a staff entrance area of the prison. Protesters refused to leave the grounds when ordered to do so and were accused of threatening police officers during the confrontation.
Additionally, members of the group are said to have blocked prison staff from entering and leaving the facility, further escalating tensions at the scene.
Protest Motivation and Hunger Striker's Condition
The demonstration was organised in support of 22-year-old Umer Khalid, an alleged Palestine Action prisoner who has been imprisoned since July 2025 in connection with events at RAF Brize Norton. Khalid is currently on what advocacy group Prisoners for Palestine describes as an 'extremely dangerous' thirst strike, having restarted his hunger strike 15 days ago and now entering the second day without water.
Official Statements and Security Concerns
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson addressed the incident, stating that 'at no point was prison security compromised' despite the breach. However, the spokesperson characterised the protest action as an 'escalation' that was 'completely unacceptable'.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, the Ministry expressed deep concern over reports of trespassing and threats made to both staff and police officers during the incident.
Broader Context and Ongoing Developments
This protest represents a significant escalation in activist tactics surrounding prison conditions and political detainees. The incident at HMP Wormwood Scrubs highlights growing tensions between protest groups and correctional authorities in the UK.
As this remains a developing story, further updates are expected regarding the legal proceedings against those arrested and the condition of hunger striker Umer Khalid.
