Law enforcement officer allegedly assaults an individual and potential use of pepper spray on a minor during an anti-asylum protest in London
In the heart of Canary Wharf, London, two opposing groups gathered outside the Britannia Hotel over the weekend, each voicing their stance on the issue of asylum seekers.
On one side, demonstrators could be seen carrying Union flags and placards, chanting "say it loud and say it clear, refugees are welcome here." Meanwhile, around 100 counter-protesters held banners bearing the words "stand up to racism" and "stop the far right."
The clashes escalated on Saturday when a group of protesters, including masked men, attempted to enter a hotel, believed to be housing asylum seekers. Officers from the Metropolitan Police enforced cordons in the area to prevent a breach of the peace, and five arrests were made.
Unfortunately, the incident saw an officer being punched in the face by one of the masked protesters. Fortunately, the officer did not suffer significant injury. Officers also arrested a suspect who assaulted a member of the public with PAVA spray.
Other protesters and members of the public, including a child, may have been temporarily affected by the use of PAVA spray. The Metropolitan Police assured that they were ensuring the safety of children in the protest area.
The groups behind the two anti-asylum seeker demonstrations have not been explicitly named, but one source suggests that pro-Palestinian protests involved a group called Palestine Action, which is banned. However, there is no direct link in the results to the anti-asylum protests or penalties given for those specific incidents.
The Britannia Hotel became subject to protests due to false reports that asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel in Epping would be moved there. This led to a second demonstration in Epping on Sunday, where three people were arrested.
Essex Police made two arrests after the demonstration on Sunday evening, one woman for breaching a Section 14 order set by police, and another man on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after an emblem was reported to have been set alight, relating to an alleged incident on Friday.
Videos shared online showed children present with the masked protesters, which has raised concerns about the safety and appropriateness of the protests.
In addition to the arrests, the Metropolitan Police made four arrests for common assault, possession of drugs, and assault on police/public order offenses.
Essex Police clarified that the woman's arrest was not for flying the Union flag, contrary to some suggestions. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing, and the authorities are working to maintain peace and order in the area.
