Shorouk Express
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
A police officer has been punched in the face after a group of masked protesters grew “aggressive” while marching through Canary Wharf.
Metropolitan Police said they had been facilitating “peaceful anti-asylum protest on the Isle of Dogs” on Sunday afternoon when protesters, including some masked, moved into the Canary Wharf shopping centre where a small group became aggressive towards the police.
The officer didn’t suffer significant injury from the assault, police said, adding that four arrests have been made 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.
A police statement on social media acknowledged that young children were in the protest area and “while we deal with any criminality our officers are ensuring the safety of them is paramount.”
Anti-immigration protesters gathered outside the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, which became subject to controversy last month after the Government decided to use the hotel to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
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”.
A Section 60 AA order is in place for the Isle of Dogs south of the A1261 to prevent people concealing their identity with masks. Police warned that failure to comply could lead to arrest. A Section 35 dispersal order is also in place in the same area directing protesters to leave.
As protesters dispersed from the area, police remain on patrol to reassure local residents and businesses.
The UK has seen numerous protests after
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
