The arrest of a 14-year-old boy sparked a protest outside Colindale Police Station.

The Met Police estimate between 30 - 40 people gathered outside the station on Friday, August 7 following the arrest of a boy on suspicion of of possession of cannabis in The Concourse, NW9.

Police claim officers were obstructed from leaving the scene by a group who gathered during the arrest shortly before 3pm.

A further two people, a 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of obstruction of a constable.

The police van left was followed back to the station where protestors surrounded the building until a Section 35 dispersal order was authorised.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, Borough commander for the North West BCU, said: “Whilst I understand that people may feel strongly about some police activity and arrests, interfering or obstructing officers at the scene only serves to inflame an already tense situation.

“Instead, I would ask people to use one of our many mechanisms for engaging and listening when the situation is calmer. This enables both sides to review things with a cool and steady head and in possession of the full range of facts.

“Even when well-intentioned interfering, or obstructing officers carrying out their lawful duties, can cause far more problems than it solves. I am committed to listening, learning and improving but my officers must also have the ability to carry out their duties safely and without fear or favour.

“I am also aware of a number of rumours circulating on social media that specifically relate to injuries sustained by those arrested and the nature of this arrest. I want to clarify that no-one who was arrested required medical treatment. Likewise, this arrest was not as a result of a raid or anything of that nature, this was part of a routine patrol in the area.”