A police officer was punched in the face and four people arrested during anti-asylum protests in Canary Wharf on Sunday afternoon (August 31). A small number of people wearing masks became “aggressive” towards members of the public and police when 50 – 100 demonstrators marched into the Canada Square shopping centre.
This followed a protest over the UK’s migration policies outside the Britannia International Hotel, where about 20 anti-migration demonstrators some carrying Union Jack flags, and several children, gathered. Across the road, around 100 counter-protesters held banners bearing the words “stand up to racism” and “stop the far right”.
The group chanted “say it loud and say it clear, refugees are welcome here” while people across the road shouted back “no, they’re not”. Four arrests were made over the day, including for common assault by a protester on a member of the public, possession of class A and B drugs, assault on police, public order offences and failure to disperse.
The officer who was punched in the face did not suffer significant injury, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers had used Pava spray, a synthetic form of pepper spray, after they had “witnessed an assault by a protester on a member of the public” in the shopping centre.
The force added: “The suspect was immediately arrested by officers who used Pava spray. We are aware other protesters and members of the public, including a child, may have been temporarily affected by the use of Pava given the density of the crowds in the area.”
A Section 60AA order, giving officers the power to order the removal of face coverings for the the Isle of Dogs area south of the A1261, was put in place as well as a dispersal order. These both ended at midnight yesterday.
Commander Adam Slonecki, in charge of policing London this weekend, said: “We had plenty of officers on the ground who moved in swiftly to deal with the criminality that occurred inside and outside the shopping centre. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.
“Today’s protest saw many community members attend, including women and children, and we worked to ensure the safety of those there to peacefully represent their views. Those who arrive at protests masked and intent on causing trouble will continue to be dealt with robustly at future protests.
“We remain in the area to deter any further disorder and provide reassurance to local residents and businesses.”
Migration protests have been held across the country over the weekend after the Government won a court challenge on Friday, meaning asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
