Clashes at London anti-austerity protest

An anti-austerity protest in London has led to clashes in which four police officers were injured.

Police and demonstrators pictured during an anti-austerity protest in central London.. Picture date: Saturday May 9, 2015.

Four police officers and a member of police staff have been injured during a spontaneous anti-austerity protest in London against the new Tory Government.

Riot police clashed with frustrated crowds outside Downing Street just a day after David Cameron declared victory at the ballot boxes.

Four people have been arrested for public order offences and a fifth for assaulting a police officer.

Police pictured during an anti-austerity protest in central London, Saturday May 9, 2015.

Meanwhile, damage caused to The Women of World War II monument on Whitehall, just a stone's throw from a VE Day celebration concert at London's Horse Guards Parade, was condemned by Downing Street as "despicable".

The words "F*** Tory scum" were scrawled in red near the bottom of the large memorial.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "Spraying graffiti on war memorials is a despicable display of disrespect for those who fought and died for their country, particularly at a time when the whole nation comes together to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day."

People pictured during an anti-austerity protest in central London, Saturday May 9, 2015.