UK police arrest 86 after protesters breach grounds of Wormwood Scrubs prison

Protest at west London prison leads to mass arrests

Police in the United Kingdom arrested 86 people after a group of protesters entered the grounds of HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London during a demonstration tied to a Palestine Action-linked activist on hunger strike. The Metropolitan Police said the group was told to leave but refused, and officers were deployed to the site as the situation escalated.

According to police statements, the arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Authorities said some demonstrators allegedly blocked prison staff from entering or leaving, and they also alleged threats were made toward officers. Police further said several protesters managed to get into a staff entrance area of a prison building, though the force indicated security was not breached beyond controlled points.

Hunger strike draws attention and intensifies tensions

The protest focused on the case of Umer Khalid, described by supporters as the last remaining participant in a wider hunger strike campaign connected to Palestine Action. Reports around the case have highlighted that Khalid is being held at Wormwood Scrubs and that the hunger strike has raised medical concerns, helping drive public pressure and repeated demonstrations.

The policing response has also fueled debate about how authorities should balance protest rights with prison security and continuity of operations. Police said the demonstration crossed legal boundaries when participants entered restricted property and did not comply with orders to leave.

What happens next

With arrests made and allegations under investigation, the incident is likely to heighten scrutiny of both protest tactics and official responses. Officials are expected to continue monitoring any further demonstrations linked to the hunger strike while the legal process plays out for those detained.