Protest: 'Arrests confirmed' after Oxford University building put under lockdown

Multiple people have been arrested for aggravated trespass during pro-Palestinian protests outside the University of Oxford.

A University of Oxford building at Wellington Square was placed under lockdown after student protesters connected to Oxford Action for Palestine staged a sit-in in the administrative building on Thursday, May 23.

READ MORE: Dozens police respond to Oxford University Palestine protest

Thames Valley Police has confirmed that 16 people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, while one of those was also suspected of common assault.

Officers attended Wellington Square at Oxford University, at around 8am on Thursday, May 23, following reports that protestors had gained access to a private office within one of the buildings.

A police spokesperson said officers also dealt with protesters in the immediate vicinity of Wellington Square.

"Elements of this protest sought to obstruct the removal of the persons arrested," the spokesperson said.

"These protests have been peaceful and no arrests were made."

MORE COVERAGE: Uni of Oxford building on lockdown as 'sixteen arrested' 

The spokesperson said crews were still managing a "small peaceful protest in the city" at the time of writing, around 5pm.

"We are aware of footage circulating on social media, which show our officers using lawful, proportionate and necessary action in the difficult circumstances they faced," the spokesperson said. 

A spokesperson from the Oxford Action for Palestine group had previously said the police had responded "disproportionately" and called for negotiations with university administration.