Officers from the Metropolitan Police have been deployed in Canary Wharf and Islington amid protests outside hotels being used to accommodate asylum seekers.
The Met confirmed this evening that two individuals have been arrested in Canary Wharf. The first arrest was made after a bottle was thrown at officers by a protester opposing the housing of asylum seekers in a local hotel. The second individual, identified as part of a counter-protest group, was arrested for failing to remove a face covering when directed to do so.
The force cited its powers under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which permits officers to require individuals to remove face coverings where there are concerns about the prevention of crime or antisocial behaviour.
“Some protesters in Canary Wharf arrived wearing face coverings. To prevent crime and antisocial behaviour in the area, we are using powers to require people to remove them,” the Met posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Additional police resources have also been deployed to Islington, where similar protests are taking place outside another hotel used for asylum accommodation.
The protests appear to have drawn both opposing groups, raising concerns of clashes as seen at recent demonstrations across the capital.
Police said further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Section 60AA Explained:
Section 60AA gives police temporary powers to order people to remove disguises such as face masks, hoods, or scarves when serious violence is anticipated or to prevent intimidation or identification concealment.
