Million Mask March 2016: Anonymous activists armed with flares and fireworks march through London

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Chloe Chaplain7 November 2016

Hundreds of masked protesters armed with flares and fireworks are marching from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street for the annual Million Mask March.

Activists adorned in Guy Fawkes masks and holding signs reading "our human need not corporate greed" are preparing to march to Whitehall in support of organisers Anonymous.

Images and video show hundreds of disguised participants clambouring onto the base of Nelson's Column and brandishing flares and flags.

Fireworks were set off my members of the crowds as it marched past Wesminister Abbey.

Angela Windsor, an unemployed 40-year-old, said she travelled from Wales to take part in the event.

Million march: A masked protester holds a sign which reads 'We Are Legion'
Getty Images

She said: "Nobody is protecting people - nobody cares.

Anonymous march: Police march with protesters 
PA

"I think everyone here cares enough about people to make the effort to come down and try and do something, because the officials aren't doing it."

She said anyone who tried to incite a repeat last year's violent displays would be missing the point.

"Nobody wants a fight, we just want change," she said.

Trafalgar square: Masked protesters hold placards and wave flags as they stand on and around Nelson's Column
Getty Images

But she was forced to defend the wording of a sign she was brandishing - including the words "death to the monarchy" - when questioned about it by passers-by.

There were angry scenes as the procession continued, with police forming a ring of steel outside Parliament.

Officers stood firm, telling the protesters to stay within the boundaries.

Several supporters, masked and otherwise, argued they should be free to pass on public roads.

While most opted for a Guy Fawkes mask, the crowd was also dotted with people dressed in Darth Vader helmets, while others were wrapped in scarves.

There is an increased police presence at the march, after the supporters were dubbed “masked criminials” by police.

Metropolitan Police Commander BJ Harrington said it was apparent that some only went along "intent on criminality" after last year's march saw missiles and fireworks thrown at police.

He added: "Last year we saw participants causing criminal damage to public property, smashing the windows of businesses and attacking police officers all whilst harassing and intimidating families as they visited theatres, dined out or shopped in the West End.

MArch: Fireworks are reportedly being set off in crowds 
Getty Images

"The public found this completely unacceptable. This was not peaceful protest by any measure.

"Those who chose to behave like this are not protesters, they are criminals, and they undermine the thousands of people who protest responsibly and safely in London every year."

But a Facebook event promoting the march appeared to be putting on a defiant front, posting on their Facebook page that "the police are not your friends".

They called on "the Metropolitan Police to restrain from violence and their usual mob mentality".

March: Protesters last year clashed with police
Ramzy Alwakeel/ES

Police have imposed conditions on the march, limiting it to a three-hour period between 6pm and 9pm between Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.

Officers have warned that anyone breaching the conditions could be arrested for public order offences.

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