Police are investigating multiple assaults on demonstrators at pro-Palestine protests in Surrey, amid growing concerns about rising tensions and increasingly aggressive behaviour at local demonstrations.

Three elderly protesters were injured in two separate incidents last month, one of whom required surgery for head injuries. All were taking part in peaceful actions organised by the West Surrey Palestine Solidarity Campaign (WSPSC), a group made up largely of older residents calling for humanitarian support for Palestinians.

One of the attacks took place on Wednesday, October 15, on New Wickham Lane in Egham, where 73-year-old Guildford resident Nick Georges was assaulted during a small vigil overlooking the M25. He suffered a fractured skull and other injuries and later underwent surgery. Surrey Police said officers were called at around 5.15pm following reports of an assault.

Witnesses said the group had attached banners to a bridge and displayed several Palestinian flags when another group approached. A confrontation followed, during which a flag was taken and damaged. Mr Georges was attacked after stepping in.

“I was unaware of being hit,” he said. “I just remember lying on the road, dizzy and in severe pain. The experience left me physically and psychologically shaken.”

A second incident occurred three days later, on Saturday, October 18, during a small WSPSC demonstration in Farnham, near the junction of the A31 Farnham Bypass and Station Hill. A 69-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman reported being assaulted by another individual. Video footage was captured and shared with police.

Surrey Police have now confirmed that a suspect has been arrested and interviewed in connection with the Farnham assault. The arrest followed the release of video footage documenting the incident. The suspect faces two counts of hate-related Section 4 Public Order offences and two counts of hate-related common assault.

The suspect has been released on unconditional bail.

The victims — who continue to request anonymity — say they were subjected to both verbal abuse and physical assault.

One of the victims said: “An aggressive man approached us, shouting and threatening. He struck me and grabbed my wife’s phone before throwing it to the ground. We were shocked and frightened by what happened.

“He said, ‘I’m going to destroy you, you c**t.’ I was terrified.”

"Over the past few months we've seen an unprecedented rise in hostility towards our peaceful protests," said a spokesperson for West Surrey PSC. "This has recently escalated dramatically from intimidation to physical violence.

“We appreciate the work of Surrey Police in making this arrest, but we remain deeply concerned about the safety of people exercising their democratic right to protest.”

Mr Georges, who has previously undertaken humanitarian work in the West Bank, said the attack was distressing and had aggravated existing post-traumatic stress. Despite this, he remains committed to advocacy but said he would be scared to attend future demonstrations.

Police are continuing to investigate both incidents and have appealed for further information. Anyone with information on the Farnham assault on October 18 should contact Surrey Police, quoting reference 45250126927 or 45250127057. For the Egham assault on October 15, call 101 quoting reference 45250125739.

Anonymous information can also be provided via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The victims of the Farnham assault continue to request anonymity and ask that their privacy is respected.