Chinese embassy guards in London alleged to have wielded illegal electroshock batons at protesters

The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations Chinese embassy guards brandished illegal electroshock batons at protesters. The government has also been urged to take action after the alleged incident. Videos appeared to show security staff at both the current Chinese embassy in Portland Place and the proposed new embassy at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London, wielding the weapons in two separate incidents in recent months, the i Paper have reported. Electroshock weapons are banned in the UK. The Met said officers are reviewing evidence, “including video footage supplied by witnesses”. Downing Street officials said the matter has been raised with the embassy directly and warned that foreign diplomats must abide . The Chinese embassy described the claims about its security staff at Portland Place as “nothing but fabrication and defamation” by “Tibetan independence elements” who “attempted to force their way into the embassy premises”. Two protesters alleged that embassy staff had pointed a Taser towards them. No injuries were reported and officers left the area once the protesters had dispersed on their own accord. “No arrests have been made at this stage. The investigation continues as officers review evidence, including video footage supplied by witnesses.” The Met urged anyone with information to call police on 101, quoting CAD7335/03JUL26.