The Metropolitan Police has blasted “wholly unacceptable” conduct ahead of the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

The force said that officers have made a series of arrests after conflict arose between those canvassing for the by-election and protesters, with reports of intimidating and obstructive conduct.

James Harman, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said that the Met anticipates further issues this weekend during canvassing as voters prepare to flock to polling stations.

Regarding the arrests already made, DAC Harman said: “This is wholly unacceptable. In a democracy, political parties need to be given space to lawfully canvass and campaign.

“And to be clear, where police have intervened this has been based on a clear policing purpose - preventing crime, preventing disorder - and not on any political preference nor on any perceived ‘two-tier’ approach.

“We are politically neutral but we will always exercise our powers in whatever context to keep people safe.”

The Holborn and St Pancras by-election, taking place after former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stepped down from his seat earlier this month, will take place on Thursday, October 8.

There are a number of public order events over the coming week, with the Met Police issuing a warning ahead of what the force has described as a challenging week for policing in the capital.

There could be as many as half a dozen protests taking place across the capital next week as the third anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches.

Two pro-Palestine marches have been planned on October 7 and October 10, organised by the University of London coalition and the Palestine Coalition respectively.

The Met Police also anticipates that there could be counter protests on October 10 led by Stop the Hate.

A march on October 4 is also set to take place in Whitechapel to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, with some five thousand people expected to march.

While no disorder is expected, police are preparing for possible disagreements between groups attending the event.

The Met said it would be taking a “robust approach - imposing strict conditions where the intelligence indicates there is a risk of serious disorder, serious disruption or that others would be threatened and intimidated.”

The force said it would take firm action on anti-Semitic or Islamophobic abuse, as well as incitement to violence, and language that points to support for terrorist or proscribed groups, including Palestine Action.

DAC Harman added in a statement: “We have absolutely no desire to get involved in politics. We have absolutely no desire to police culture wars or wars of words between opposing groups. That is very clearly not our role.

“But the Met absolutely has a role and policing has a role when it comes to preventing serious disorder, violence and hate crime. And we will be robust in doing so.

“If anyone thinks they can commit crime, intimidate our communities or stir up hatred towards others, they should think again as they will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”