#LondonProtest – anti Tory demonstrations held outside Downing Street

Protesters and police face off at the gates of Downing Street during a protest in London

An unplanned protest against the new Conservative government took place outside Conservative headquarters and then moved to Downing Street.

Large numbers of police faced off against hundreds of protesters and angry scuffles resulted in two police staff being treated in hospital. At least four protesters have been arrested.

Police try to push back demonstrators at the gates of Downing Street.

A war memorial was also defaced by some of the protesters which has angered many people, as events are being held across the country to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany 70 years ago.

Police corral protesters behind expletive graffiti spray painted onto a war memorial.

Although there were some angry encounters, many protesters say the event was largely peaceful. However photos posted on social media show some protesters scuffling with police amidst what appears to be smoke from a cannister.

have some respect for your fellow citizens and the injustice they feel and report this #londonprotest #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/c20oI6AlXa

— Caitlin Diamond (@caitdiamond12) May 9, 2015