Metropolitan Police Commissioner slams 'despicable' Million Mask March violence

Police chiefs have condemned the violence at yesterday's Million Mask March which saw four police officers injured and several horses targeted.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, branded those that had thrown fireworks and missiles at officers and their horses "despicable".

Embassy - one of the force's oldest horses - was startled and bolted after being targeted with a firework. The officer riding was thrown from his horse and taken to hospital with a broken wrist.

He added that some protesters had asked others to stop targeting the animals, but denied that the attacks at the 1,000+ strong march were down to the actions of a small minority.

Mr Hogan-Howe made the comments in the stables at Great Scotland Yard, while petting the horse that was injured.