SIX ACTIVISTS were arrested yesterday over an alleged plot to "disrupt" the London Stock Exchange this morning, the Metropolitan Police force announced late last night.

The Met said the activists from the Palestine Action group were allegedly intending to target the exchange by "causing damage and 'locking on'

in an effort to prevent the building opening for trading".

The police force said the investigation started after the Daily Express handed information about the alleged plot to the force on Friday.

The six individuals, who remain unnamed, were arrested yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage.

All six will remain in custody.

Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas said: "These are significant arrests. We believe this group was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully.

"Having only been provided with the material on Friday afternoon we had limited time to act.

"Mindful of the suggestion that this was one part of a planned week of action, we are in contact with the City of London Police as well as other forces across the UK to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deal with any disruption in the coming days."

A spokesperson for Palestine Action told City A.M. the exchange "raises billions of pounds" for Israel and "trades shares in weapons manufacturers" that arm Israel.

"Our direct action campaign will not be deterred," they said.

The London Stock Exchange Group declined to comment.

(c) 2024 City A.M., source Newspaper