Police in London have expressed "regret" over the arrest of anti-monarchy protesters before the coronation of Britain's King Charles III at the weekend.
Leader of the group Republic, Graham Smith, was among six people detained by officers who seized items they believed could be used as 'lock-on devices.'
However, the Metropolitan Police has said an investigation has been unable to prove their intent to disrupt the event.
"The investigation team have now fully examined the items seized and reviewed the full circumstances of the arrest," the police force said in a statement.
"Those arrested stated the items would be used to secure their placards, and the investigation has been unable to prove intent to use them to lock on and disrupt the event.
"This evening all six have had their bail cancelled and no further action will be taken.
"We regret that those six people arrested were unable to join the wider group of protesters in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the procession route", it added.
Britain's King Charles III is crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, England. Picture via @RoyalFamily on TwitterMr Smith has said the Republic protesters who were arrested in London have all been told no charges will be brought against them.
In a tweet on Monday evening, he said: "We have just been told that the police will be taking no further action.
"This has been a disgraceful episode and we will be speaking to lawyers about taking legal action.
"I also expect a full inquiry into why they repeatedly lied to us and who authorised the arrests," he added.
He also said an apology from the Metropolitan Police was "not accepted as we will be taking further action."
This evening three Met police officers visited my home to hand back my phone and the luggage straps. They apologised while wearing a body cam. I made it clear the apology is not accepted as we will be taking further action. https://t.co/BwPxw2aNx5
— Graham Smith 🇺🇦 🏳️🌈 (@GrahamSmith_) May 8, 2023
Mr Smith previously described the arrest of protesters during the coronation as a "direct attack on democracy" which showed that the right to peacefully demonstrate "no longer exists."
As part of the policing operation in the UK capital on Saturday, a total of 64 arrests were made - with 52 of these related to concerns people were going to disrupt the coronation event.
Republic were not the only group at the centre of a dispute over police behaviour on Saturday, with Westminster Council volunteers handing out rape alarms reportedly arrested.
Additional reporting: IRN
