Three people were stopped by TSG officers and arrested in Soho, London, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance (Sec78 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022) and seized several rape alarms.

The Met received intelligence that indicated that the rape alarms were to be used to disrupt the procession by activating and throwing them, which would unsettle horses and cause significant risk to the safety of the public and the riders.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The intelligence we received led us to be extremely worried about the potential risk to public safety. We are aware of and understand there is public concern over these arrests. However, the matter is still under investigation.”

The group is believed to be the members of the City of Westminster’s Night Safety team working in collaboration with the Met Police.

In a statement, Westminster City councillor Aicha Less said: “We are deeply concerned by reports of our Night Stars volunteers being arrested overnight. This service has been a familiar and welcome sight in the West End for a long time and have extensive training so they can assist the most vulnerable on the streets late at night.

“We are working with the Metropolitan Police to establish exactly what happened, and in the meantime, we are in touch with our volunteers to ensure they are receiving the support they need.”