Violence erupts at Israel protests

Published: Saturday, 17 January 2009, 9:32PM

Violence has erupted at anti-Israeli protests in London.

Young men - many wearing scarves covering their faces - clashed with police on Saturday, with one group seen kicking in the front window of a Starbucks coffee shop. A police car also had its rear window smashed.

The Metropolitan Police force said it contained a group of between 120 and 200 people in Piccadilly at about 5.20pm.

A spokesman said: "The decision to contain this group was based on the need to prevent a further breach of the peace."

The spokesman also said it was investigating reports of damaged, looted shops.

He said: "There is now believed to be two branches of Starbucks, one in Shaftesbury Avenue, junction with Rupert Street and one in Piccadilly. Windows have been smashed and shops looted."

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