Police have moved in to arrest Oxford students as they occupy a university building in a pro-Palestinian protest.
Sixteen people staging the demonstration at the University of Oxford offices at Wellington Square have been told they are under arrest, Oxford Action for Palestine has claimed.
Pictures show a heavy police presence at the scene with students and protesters seen trying to engage with officers.
Around 150 people have also gathered outside the offices with the crowd chanting ‘let them go’, Cherwell, the student newspaper has reported.
According to Oxford Action for Palestine, the group had planned to remain in the building until they could speak with the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Police have moved in to arrest Oxford students as they occupy a university building in a pro-Palestinian protest
Sixteen people staging the demonstration at the University of Oxford offices at Wellington Square have been told they are under arrest, Oxford Action for Palestine has claimed
It is understood that the protesters entered the university building at 8am today and occupied an office on the first floor.
University staff have also been trapped inside their offices with no access to toilets, witnesses have claimed.
A source said: ‘They are literally locked in their offices with no access to toilets etc and the VC’s office has an ensuite toilet so at least the protesters have that.
‘All they have been told is that this is continuing indefinitely.
‘The VC left, no senior staff were in yet, so the staff are just sat there waiting.
‘I was on my way in, so turned around and went home like most.’
A spokesperson for Oxford Action for Palestine said: ‘Today, Oxford students staged a peaceful sit-in to demand that the University meet with us after two weeks of non-response.
‘Instead of engaging in dialogue with her students, the Vice Chancellor chose to evacuate the building, place it on lockdown, and call the police to make arrests.’
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: ‘We are aware of an ongoing protest at Oxford University this morning (May 23).
Pictures show a heavy police presence at the scene with students and protesters seen trying to engage with officers
Around 150 people have also gathered outside the offices with the crowd chanting ‘let them go’, Cherwell, the student newspaper has reported
‘We are in contact with the University and if anyone has any concerns then please speak to one of our officers in the area.
‘Whilst we are dealing with this, we ask that any photos or video of the incident is shared with us and not on social media.
‘Go to https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ with reference 388 of today and tell us what is shown.
‘We will provide an update when we are in a position to do so.’
The incident comes after an encampment was set up at the university to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Oxford Action for Palestine has previously spoken out against the ‘university’s lack of engagement’ with their demands.
On Saturday, the group staged a ‘Gaza die-in’ protest outside the Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library while graudations were taking place.
Furious members of the group posted a video on social media on Saturday, accusing a security guard of ‘slamming the door on the heads of students protesting the university’s complicity in genocide’.
However, instead of acting violently towards the students, the video shows the member of staff gently prodding them with his foot as he tries to access a door that they are obstructing.
Seperate pictures show graduands and their families having to step over the protesters as they attempted to leave the hall – with the group also alleging that members of the public trampled on their hands.
MailOnline has contacted Oxford University for comment.
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