A group of masked protesters became «aggressive» towards police at Canary Wharf shopping centre, police say.
A group of individuals entered the shopping centre around 4.30pm, and a «small number of masked protesters» then turned hostile towards members of the public and law enforcement, as stated by the Metropolitan Police.
Police implemented an order to «prevent individuals from concealing their identity with masks,» and a dispersal order was also enforced.
Footage circulating on social media depicted young children among the protesters, some of whom were adorned with England flags.
Authorities mentioned, «We are mindful that there are young children in the protest vicinity, and while we address any criminal behavior, our officers are prioritizing their safety.»
Police reported the arrest of four individuals on Sunday afternoon during the demonstrations, including for common assault by a protester against a member of the public, possession of class A and B drugs, assault on police/public order offenses, and failure to disperse.
«One of our officers was struck in the face – fortunately, they did not sustain significant injuries,» a spokesperson remarked.
Commander Adam Slonecki, overseeing policing in London over the weekend, stated: «We had a substantial number of officers on site who promptly intervened to address the criminal activities occurring inside and outside the shopping center. We will not tolerate this type of behavior.
«The protest today witnessed the participation of numerous community members, including women and children, and we worked to guarantee the safety of those present to peacefully express their views. Those who attend protests masked and with the intent to cause trouble will face robust measures at future events.»
Counter-protesters also assembled outside the Britannia International Hotel. Pic: PA
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Protesters from both sides of the divide over the UK’s immigration policies gathered outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf on Sunday afternoon.
Around a dozen anti-immigration protesters were joined by about 100 counter-protesters holding banners saying «stand up to racism» and «stop the far right» on the other side of the road.
Demonstrators then left the hotel location – kept apart by police.
Sunday’s events in central London follow an incident in West Drayton on Saturday when a group of masked men were among those who attempted to enter a hotel housing asylum seekers.