A group of people were arrested for throwing food into a display case of the British crown

London Police said law enforcement arrived at the Tower of London this morning after receiving reports of vandalism targeting a display case containing the National Crown.

“Four protesters threw what was suspected to be food into the cupboard. Two people then left the scene,” police said.

All four people were arrested. The Tower of London, where British royal treasures are stored and displayed, must close and stop welcoming visitors while the police investigate the incident.

Activist group Take Back Power claimed responsibility for the incident, saying its members threw crumbled apple pie and custard into the glass display case.

The group also posted a video of the incident on social network account X. In the video, they vandalized display cases in front of visitors, and criticized democracy. “Democracy has collapsed”, the young woman shouted, while the man throwing the custard said “Britain is broken” and “we have come to take back power”.

The crown is often worn by the head of the British royal family at the end of the coronation ceremony or on formal occasions. The crown was worn by King Charles during his coronation in 2023 and also appeared on Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin during her burial and subsequent state funeral at Westminster Abbey.