Police are appealing to identify these men in connection to assault against officers. Image: Met Police

Police are appealing for the public’s assistance to help identify eight people they would like to speak to in connection with violent disorder in Whitehall, Westminster on Saturday, 9th of May.

Officers in riot gear clashed with a ‘minority’ of protesters who threw objects during the rally – which came after the Tory election victory.

Met Police said four police officers and a police staff member were injured.

A police investigation is also under way after graffiti referring to ‘Tory scum’ was daubed on a war memorial.

A total of 15 people including a 16 year old were arrested near to Downing Street; 12 on suspicion of violent disorder and three for assault on police.

Anyone who recognises the individuals pictured or has any information is asked to contact the Public Order Investigation Unit on 020 8246 0076 or email them at IDsought@met.police.uk quoting the reference on the picture.

To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Graffiti was sprayed on the Women’s War Memorial, in Whitehall, close to where the Queen attended a service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

A Downing Street spokesman condemned the graffiti as ‘a despicable display of disrespect for those who fought and died for their country.’

Hundreds of anti-government protesters, some holding placards reading ‘I pledge to resist’ and ‘Stop the cuts’, took part in the rally on Saturday, which began outside Conservative Party headquarters.

The 15 protesters that were arrested have been bailed pending further inquires.

One officer was treated at hospital for a suspected dislocated shoulder.

A member of police staff also received hospital treatment for a cut lip after being struck by an object.

Three other officers were assaulted but did not require hospital treatment.

There were no reported injuries to any members of the public.

Police were aware of potential protests and a number of small groups were monitored on Saturday afternoon as they moved around the Westminster area.

At around 4 o’clock police officers began to deal with a protest outside Downing Street.

During the course of the evening the protest in Downing Street became larger.

A number of protesters began to engage in violent disorder and in a quick response to this escalation, at quarter past six that evening a containment was put in place to prevent any further breach of the peace.

Ch Supt Gerry Campbell said the ‘vast majority’ of protestors had taken part peacefully, though he added that a ‘small minority’ had been intent on causing disorder.

We have launched an investigation into criminal damage to the Women in World War Two Memorial. This is particularly abhorrent considering we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of VE Day

Images of the protest were uploaded to twitter