Protest Erupts Outside South London Theatre
About 50 protesters have stormed outside The Lighthouse Theatre on Camberwell Road, South London, causing chaos today. The Metropolitan Police have rushed extra officers to the scene after some demonstrators began smashing riot vans with sticks.
Clash Linked to Eritrean Embassy Meeting
Details of the protest are sketchy, but it’s believed the unrest is tied to recent tensions in Eritrea. Witnesses say a violent row broke out inside the Lighthouse church building, where the Eritrean embassy was holding a meeting. The arrival of protesters sparked a fierce confrontation between rival groups.
John Lubbock, who witnessed the drama, said: “I’ve gone down to the scene, and there seems to have been a clash between two groups in the Lighthouse church building on Camberwell Rd. A group of ‘protesters’ is being kettled outside.”
He added that those he spoke to linked the protest directly to the embassy meeting that kicked off the scuffle.
Police Hold Line as Tensions Rise
Social media videos show protesters engaged in heated stand-offs with police, some battering riot vans with sticks. Riot vans line the street, while officers in riot gear form a barrier to contain the crowd. Curious residents watch the tense scene from nearby flats.
Met Police Urge Calm as They Reinforce
The Southwark Police tweeted: “Officers are on scene in Camberwell Road, SE5, where there is a protest with approximately 50 people gathered outside a private venue. Additional officers are on their way to the location to assist with the demonstration.”
