Arrests at anti-austerity protest outside Downing Street

Fifteen people were arrested at a political protest in central London yesterday - two fewer than the Met Police originally said.

Twelve were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and three for assault on police. 14 have been bailed pending further enquiries, while one, a 24-year-old man, remains in custody on suspicion of assault.

The demonstration saw hundreds of protesters converge on Downing Street in opposition to the new Conservative government.

Damage caused to The Women of World War II monument on Whitehall during an anti-austerity protest has been condemned by Downing Street as "despicable".

The words "F*** Tory scum" were scrawled in red near the bottom of the large memorial and police have now appealed for witnesses.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "Spraying graffiti on war memorials is a despicable display of disrespect for those who fought and died for their country, particularly at a time when the whole nation comes together to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day."

Chief Superintendent Gerry Campbell added: "The vast majority of those protesting did so peacefully. However a small minority were intent on causing disorder and engaged in violence, injuring five officers and staff - two of which required hospital treatment. Our best wishes are with those officers and staff at this time.

"We have launched an investigation into criminal damage to the Women in World War II Memorial. This is particularly abhorrent considering we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

"I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the criminal damage taking place or may have information regarding those involved to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Downing Street was the scene of protests and promotions as the warm glow of victory gave way to hard work and noisy opposition.

Michael Gove moved from chief whip to running the Justice Department and there were arrests and violence as anti-austerity voices were raised at the gates, just yards from Number Ten, as ITV News Political Correspondent Libby Wiener reports.

Seventeen people have now been arrested by police in Westminster during an anti-austerity protest outside Downing Street.

They were arrested for a variety of public order offences, violent disorder and assault on police.

Four police officers and one member of police staff have been injured policing this protest. Two are being treated in hospital. One officer is being treated for a suspected dislocated shoulder. The member of police staff is being treated for a cut lip after being struck by an object. The three other officers were assaulted and did not require hospital treatment.

There are no reported injuries to any members of the public.

UPDATE 10/05/2015: Police have revised the number of arrests made to 15.

Four police officers and a member of police staff were injured during anti-austerity protest against the new Conservative Government. Riot police clashed with frustrated crowds outside Downing Street.

Four people have been arrested for public order offences and a fifth for assaulting a police officer.

A police officer and a member of police staff are being treated in hospital after being injured during an anti-austerity campaign against the new Tory Government. The pair were part of a large police presence at the ongoing protest which began outside Conservative headquarters and moved to outside Downing Street today.

• Read more: Anti-Tory protests erupt in central London

Protesters took to the streets in anger at the new Conservative Government, just a day after David Cameron claimed victory at the ballot boxes.

There were angry scuffles near the gates of Downing Street as protesters demonstrated against the new Conservative government today.

The protesters were calling for an end to austerity and for the protection of the NHS.

Scores of police were brought in to contain the protests, which started in high spirits with musical accompaniment, but became ill-tempered when police formed a chain to push the demonstrators back along Whitehall.

Police, protesters, passers-by and the media were pressed tight in as they passed the Cenotaph, bearing its floral tributes to the sacrifices of those who died to save democracy in the war which ended 70 years ago.

Some protesters sat in the road, some let off smoke flares; all were moved on as the police dispersed the crowds.