Four arrested at Tower of London after food thrown at State Crown display case

LONDON (Reuters) - Four people were arrested at London's Tower of London after food was thrown at a display case containing the Imperial State Crown, police said on Saturday, adding part of the historic building housing the Crown Jewels had been closed to the public.

A group called Take Back Power, which describes itself as a civil resistance group, posted footage of the incident on social media, saying two of its members had smothered the display case with apple crumble and custard.

London police said in a statement that four protesters were detained following the reports of criminal damage to the display case shortly before 1000 GMT.

"They have been taken into custody. The Jewel House has been closed to the public while the police investigation continues." the statement said.

The Imperial State Crown is worn by King Charles on some official occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament. He also wore it on his return to Buckingham Palace after his coronation in Westminster Abbey in 2023.

There was no immediate comment from the Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the 1,000-year-old fortress.

Take Back Power said its protest was to highlight its demands for the government to tax the super rich.