Metropolitan Police today said they were preparing to make a series of arrests in connection with the violent protests in London against the publication of cartoons of Muhammad.

In a brief statement issued this evening, Scotland Yard said that it had been told by the Crown Prosecution Service that evidence captured on video at the demonstration on February 3 provided "sufficient grounds" for arrests to be made under the Public Order Act.

Some of the protesters marched with banners threatening a repeat of the September 11 or July 7 terror attacks. Others praised Osama Bin Laden. Some chanted: “UK, you must pray — 7/7 is on its way.”

At the time, police restrained members of the public who tried to snatch away what they regarded as offending placards, saying that their role was to preserve public order and safety.

The only arrest made so far has been that of Omar Khayam, the 22-year-old protester who dressed as a suicide bomber on the demonstration. He was not charged with any offences but was returned to jail for breaching the terms of his parole.

News of the decision to pursue charges came shortly after David Davis, the Shadow Home Secretary David Davis, announced that he had written to Charles Clarke attacking the "unconscionable" delay and telling him "justice must be seen to be done".

In his letter to the Home Secretary, Mr Davis said the offences committed were ones "the public have a right to expect the police to deal with, and deal with promptly."

He wrote: "It is now four weeks later. The police appear to be aware of the identity of those who committed offences but no arrests under any of the several possible criminal charges have been made. It is difficult to understand why this is so.

"There is a clear public interest in ensuring that those who incite murder are appropriately dealt with and an equal public interest that there is no unnecessary delay.

"Furthermore, not to take action is to let down the moderate Muslim majority. Justice needs to be done and be seen to be done rapidly. I would be grateful if you would let me know why no action appears to have been taken for what is now an unconscionable length of time."

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "During a demonstration on 3rd February 2006 the MPS deployed specialist evidence gathers. This material has been collated and examined by the dedicated investigation team, which was set up on 3rd February, to take forward any criminal proceedings.

"A file of evidence was submitted to the CPS for their consideration and we have been advised today that there are sufficient grounds to arrest individuals for offences under the Public Order Act.

"This includes offences that are racially or religiously aggravated. We anticipate arrests in the near future."

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