LONDON — Four people were arrested Saturday after protesters hurled custard and apple crumble at a display case containing the Imperial State Crown at the Tower of London, prompting police to close the Jewel House while an investigation is underway.

Police were called shortly before 10:00 GMT after the case was defaced.

The Metropolitan Police said the four suspects were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

Take Back Power, a self-described non-violent civil-resistance group, claimed responsibility for the act.

The group said it targeted the crown to demand the UK government establish a permanent citizens’ assembly — a “House of the People” — with the authority to “tax extreme wealth and fix Britain.”

Footage posted on social media showed one protester pulling out a large foil tray and slamming crumble against the glass protecting the crown.

Another protester then poured bright yellow custard over the front of the case.

“Democracy has crumbled,” one demonstrator shouted, while another declared, “Britain is broken.”

Tourists looked on in surprise as a Tower of London staff member called for assistance. This is the second recent protest by the group; on Wednesday, members emptied bags of manure inside the Ritz hotel lobby beneath its 25-foot Christmas tree.

The Imperial State Crown, worn by the King at his coronation in 2023 and traditionally used at the State Opening of Parliament, is among the most iconic symbols of the monarchy. It dates to 1937 and contains 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, four rubies and 269 pearls, weighing more than one kilogram. When not used for ceremonial events, it is kept in the Tower’s Jewel House. — BBC