Four individuals were taken into custody during a demonstration against asylum seekers in the Canary Wharf area of London. The Metropolitan Police reported that the arrests were made for various offenses, including assault, drug possession, assault on law enforcement, and public order violations. The protest, which started on the Isle of Dogs, escalated as some demonstrators, some wearing masks, moved into the Canary Wharf shopping center and became aggressive towards the public and police.
During the confrontation, a police officer was punched in the face, but fortunately, the officer did not sustain any major injuries. Authorities emphasized the safety of young children present in the protest area while addressing criminal activities. To prevent individuals from concealing their identities with masks, a Section 60 AA was implemented in the Isle of Dogs region.
Additionally, a dispersal order was issued in the same area to disband the protestors. Pepper spray was used by the police to subdue one individual, leading to some officers inadvertently being affected. The protest was directed against a nearby hotel designated to accommodate migrants, with demonstrators, some wearing balaclavas and pink attire, causing disruptions on Westferry road.
The clash followed another incident where five people were arrested at protests near Heathrow Airport. The group targeted hotels believed to be housing asylum seekers, resulting in altercations with law enforcement. Commander Adam Slonecki condemned the disorder and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and security during protests, warning that individuals seeking to incite trouble will face strict enforcement measures.