The NHS is investigating the use of its logo at an anti-Israel protest last weekend.

People holding the NHS banner stood by boycott activists outside the Israeli-owned fizzy-drinks store EcoStream in Brighton. An NHS England spokeswoman said: “It’s nothing to do with us — these are just individuals. We don’t know anything about it. The South-East NHS is investigating.”

More than 130 people, including around 50 supporters of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and 80 counter-protesters from Sussex Friends of Israel (SFI), gathered outside the shop on Saturday afternoon.

At least five people, believed to be PSC supporters, were arrested on suspicion of various offences including criminal damage and obstructing a police officer. They have been bailed until May 29.

Representatives from the National Union of Journalists, the National Union of Teachers and the University and College Union turned out in support of the PSC. Simon Cobbs, SFI co-founder, said he was “appalled” to see the NUJ at the event, especially in light of the April NUJ motion to not boycott Israeli goods. He added: “They come with banners that represent millions of doctors, teachers and journalists. It’s not right.”