Witnesses to the anti-gentrification protest which saw the Cereal Killer Cafe and other Brick Lane businesses attacked at the weekend are being urged to come forward.

Police are appealing to the public for information following a pre-planned protest by “The F*ck Parade” on Saturday night, which led to shops being targeted by a mob reported to have been made up of hundreds of people.

The protesters, some of whom witnesses have said were holding torches and severed pigs’ heads, threw paint at the cafe and daubed the word “scum” on it, while a window was broken at Marsh & Parsons estate agent.

A police officer also suffered facial injuries after a bottle was thrown at him.

He received hospital treatment, but was later discharged.

Police, who were called to the scene at 8pm, monitored the group in the Shoreditch area until approximately 12.30am.

Supt Pete Turner, in charge of operations in Tower Hamlets, said: “While we respect and will facilitate the right to peaceful protest we will never condone violence.

“My officers are currently reviewing the CCTV from both the cafe and the local authority. Any individual identified as being involved in the violence will be actively sought, arrested and brought to justice.”

Following the incident, a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He has since been released with no further action.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.