Thousands protest in London in Million Mask March

LONDON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Thousands marched around some of the most visited sites in London Thursday night in a protest organized by the group Anonymous.

The so-called Million Mask March was held in various cities around the world protesting government surveillance and corporate greed, but in Britain it coincided with the annual Bonfire Night, which revved up protests, leading to the destruction of a police car, several arrests and some minor injuries.

Bonfire Night commemorates the execution of Guy Fawkes, the Roman Catholic terrorist who attempted to blow up Parliament and assassinate the king in the 17th century. Many protesters wore Guy Fawkes masks.

The protest, organized by anti-capitalist, anti-censorship group Anonymous, began in Trafalgar Square peacefully and moved through central London before some protesters began throwing smoke bombs and lighting fireworks.

At one point people in the protest surrounded the premiere of the movie Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 2, where several members of the cast were walking the red carpet.

Protesters at the front broke away from the agreed route and moved quickly toward the Churchill War Rooms and eventually to Buckingham Palace. Others tried to get near Conservative Party headquarters but it had already been sealed off. Bottles were thrown at officers on the other side of the barrier.

"[Edward Snowden and Julian Assange] are my heroes," said protester Simon Harlock, who had come to show his anger at government infringing on speech and information.