Scotland Yard has asked organisers of the pro-Palestinian march planned for Armistice Day, to “urgently reconsider” amid growing concern over the risk of violent disorder.

Thousands of people are expected to attend a rally in central London on Saturday to protest against Israel’s action in Gaza following the Hamas terror attacks last month.

But police have come under growing pressure to ban the march after politicians said organising it on November 11 - the day when the country remembers those who paid the ultimate price - was an affront to the British public.

Now the Metropolitan Police has appealed to organisers to call off the rally to prevent widespread disorder erupting among breakaway groups.

Representatives from six groups helping to organise the march held meetings with senior Metropolitan Police officers on Monday.

But they refused to call off the march.

A Met spokesman said: “Senior officers are concerned at criminal acts by breakaway groups intent on fuelling disorder who are attracted by these regular events.

“This is despite the positive work of organisers who have supported tens of thousands of people to protest peacefully and lawfully since October 7.

“We are constantly examining the intelligence ahead of the weekend to understand the issues in order to respond appropriately.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing.

“This is of concern ahead of a significant and busy weekend in the capital.

“Our message to organisers is clear: Please, we ask you to urgently reconsider. It is not appropriate to hold any protests in London this weekend.”

Since Oct 7, more than 160 people have been arrested for a range of offences, including racially motivated public offences, violence and assaulting police officers.

There has been an escalation in violence and disorder linked to protests, often perpetrated by breakaway groups who have no interest in demonstration causes.