The Metropolitan Police has imposed strict conditions on a student demonstration in central London today, as officers prepare for a march taking place on the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks in Israel.

The student march is expected to travel from King’s College London in the Strand to Russell Square, near University College London. Police have ordered participants to gather at Lincoln’s Inn Fields by 12:30pm, follow a designated route and end the rally by 2pm.

Participants have also been warned that they must not wear face coverings that conceal their identity. Anyone breaching the conditions could be arrested, according to the Met.

Police said the measures are intended to prevent serious disruption and protect communities, while officers will take action against hate crime or other offences. The force said it cannot simply ban the demonstration because the legal threshold for seeking a protest ban has not been met.

The Met has also highlighted concerns about the impact of public-order events on Jewish communities on a highly sensitive date. Officers said additional policing measures are being used to manage demonstrations and minimise disruption across central London.

The development comes as London police prepare for multiple public-order events, with the force warning that officers will take a robust approach to serious disorder, disruption and criminality where necessary.