POLICE have arrested 86 people for allegedly breaching prison grounds while protesting in support of an inmate on hunger strike.
Officers said the group refused to leave the grounds when ordered to, allegedly blocked jail staff from entering and leaving, and threatened police.
Scotland Yard said some protesters got inside a staff entrance area of a prison building at Wormwood Scrubs in West London.
The 86 people, who have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, have been supporting Palestine Action activist Umer Khalid, who is on hunger strike there.
He is the last remaining participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign, according to the group.
The Ministry of Justice called the escalation of the protest outside the jail “unacceptable” and reports of trespassing and threats “deeply concerning”.
But it added: “The escalation of the protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs is completely unacceptable.
“While we support the right to peacefully protest, reports of trespassing and threats being made to staff and police officers are deeply concerning.
“At no point was prison security compromised, however where individuals’ actions cause risk or actual harm to hardworking staff, this will not be taken lightly and those responsible can expect to face consequences.
“Prisoners are being managed in line with longstanding policy.
“This includes regular checks by medical professionals, heart monitoring and blood tests, and support to help them eat and drink again.
“If deemed appropriate by healthcare teams, prisoners will be taken to hospital.”
