A retired priest was arrested for taking part in a massive protest against the ban on Palestine Action.

Footage shows Sue Parfitt, 83, being detained by officers for protesting in solidarity with the group, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by the UK government.

Sue had previously been arrested at the first protest against the ban on July 5 and admitted to knowingly breaching bail conditions.

She said: 'We might be getting nearer to the goal, which is to get Palestine Action not proscribed as a terrorist organisation – because it isn't a terrorist organisation.

'And that's a good signal to our brothers and sisters who are suffering so terribly in Gaza and Palestine. I want to be sure I am absolutely on their side.'

Reports said around 1,500 demonstrators gathered for the rally, with police arresting over half of them in Parliament Square, London.

The Met confirmed 857 arrests for supporting a proscribed organisation, with a total of 890 arrests, including 33 for assaults on officers and other public order offences.

Critics condemned the ban as an attack on free speech and civil liberties, stressing that the rallies had been peaceful.

The government enacted the ban on Palestine Action under counter-terrorism legislation following incidents in which paint was sprayed on aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.