Six people were arrested during a tense anti-migrant protest in east London on Sunday. The demonstration was led by a group of women known as the “Pink Ladies,” who marched to the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, where asylum seekers are currently being housed. According to police, the protesters set off pink flares, waved England flags, and carried banners calling for an end to Channel crossings.
Some protesters clashed with police officers as officers tried to control the crowd and prevent disruption. Videos posted on social media showed demonstrators arguing with officers after being stopped from walking down a nearby road. Among the protesters were groups of men wearing balaclavas who joined the Pink Ladies during the march.
The protest followed a recent incident in the area, where a migrant in his early 20s was arrested on suspicion of common assault after allegedly entering a blind woman’s flat. In a separate case, Channay Augustus, a 22-year-old resident of the same property, appeared in court after allegedly trying to enter the hotel carrying a meat cleaver and shouting aggressive comments about asylum seekers.
Police said Augustus allegedly threatened two people during the incident and has been remanded in custody. She is expected to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 12.
According to the Metropolitan Police, arrests at Sunday’s protest were made for breaching Section 14 Public Order conditions, possession of Class B drugs, and assaulting an emergency worker. Officers imposed strict conditions on the march to prevent serious disturbance and instructed the protesters to remain on the pavement opposite the hotel.
Why did the police impose strict conditions on the protest? They explained that previous anti-migrant demonstrations outside the hotel had caused serious disruption and risked the safety of both protesters and the public, so stronger control was needed.
Officials say the Britannia International Hotel has been a regular target for anti-migrant protests in recent weeks. Some residents say they fear for their safety, while others argue the protests are unfair and leave vulnerable asylum seekers feeling threatened.