Dissidents remove Iranian flag from London embassy as thousands protest in UK

A protester removed the Iranian flag from the embassy in Kensington and replaced it with the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag, while thousands gathered across the UK and Europe in solidarity with unrest inside Iran; the Metropolitan Police said extra officers were deployed to the scene.

Protesters gathered in London and other European cities to show solidarity with widespread demonstrations inside Iran. In Kensington a protester climbed onto the balcony of the Iranian embassy and removed the current Iranian flag, replacing it with the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag. The Metropolitan Police said officers were on site and additional officers were being deployed to prevent disorder. Iranian authorities have reported arrests and an internet disruption amid unrest at home, and some officials were reported to have instructed prosecutors to prepare indictments. Key developments: - A protester climbed onto the Iranian embassy balcony in Kensington, London, removed the current flag and replaced it with the pre-1979 lion-and-sun flag. - The Metropolitan Police said officers were at the embassy and additional officers were being deployed to prevent disorder. - Thousands of people gathered across the UK and in multiple European cities in demonstrations reported as showing solidarity with protesters inside Iran. - Iranian officials have reported arrests, a nationwide internet disruption, and reports said prosecutors were urged to prepare indictments. Summary: The embassy flag removal highlighted diaspora support for protests in Iran and prompted a police response in London. Iranian authorities have reported arrests and instructed prosecutors to prepare indictments. Undetermined at this time.