By Martin Cole-
The Met have told those planning on joining the Black Lives Matter demonstrations that they must be off the streets by 5pm on Saturday.
The warning applies to left and right-wing groups that have made their intention to demonstrate on Saturday clear.
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Far right group Britain First has also said its members will attend, raising the prospect of clashes.
Over 60 statues are now listed as targets on a website called Topple the Racists.
Black Lives Matter demonstrators will have a specific route between Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square, where they will be permitted to assemble until 17:00.
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Similar regulations have been given to right-wing groups require them to assemble in Parliament Square and some parts of Whitehall, again until 17:00.
The Met said police officers routinely talk to organisers before and during an event to minimise disruption and disorder.
“Policing demonstrations is complex and challenging, not least during a global health crisis,” Commander Javid added.
“We will continue to police any protests with the aim of keeping people safe and preventing crime and disorder.”
In an attempt to avoid a repeat of last week’s violent clashes with police, protesters have been told they must stick to the planned route that will run from Hyde Park to Whitehall.
The force fear the anti-racism protests – that were sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US last month – could be hijacked by counter-demonstrations by far-right groups.
On Saturday, those affiliated to the Black Lives Matter protests must remain north of a police barrier erected on Whitehall, while far-right protesters must remain to the south of the line.
Organisers of one demonstration planned for Saturday cancelled the event over fears of conflict with far-right protesters, but the Met think thousands of people will still attend.
The conditions were set under section 12 of the Public Order Act.
On Friday, statues in Parliament Square including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were boarded up to prevent them being targeted by either side.
Met Commander Bas Javid, brother of former chancellor Sajid, said he understood the depth of feeling of protesters, but asked people not to come to London while shutdown rules are still in force.
“If you were planning to come to London, I again would urge you to reconsider, but if you are still intent, please familiarise yourself with what the conditions are,” he said.
“Please keep yourself safe by complying with government guidance on social distancing.”
Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate has said football gangs from West Ham, Chelsea, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull and Spurs are among the groups planning on coming to London.
Far right group Britain First has also said its members will attend.
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