Police were called at around 7.50am today (Wednesday 18 October) to reports of a vehicle attempting to gain access to business premises in Meridian Way.
A white van driven by protesters is believed to have breached the gate, causing criminal damage to the surrounding area and other vehicles. In particular, damage was caused to a police vehicle, private property and privately owned vehicles in the external yard area. Coloured smoke canisters were also used and thrown from the van.
Two protesters remained on top of the vehicle until they were both arrested for public order offences and criminal damage. Another was arrested nearby.
Three people – aged 22 from Wembley, aged 27 from Manchester and aged 60 from Shropshire – all remain in custody at this time.
An investigation into what happened has been launched and detectives are appealing for any information or dashcam footage from drivers who may have been in the area at the time.
Road closures were in place for some time and there was some disruption to local businesses in the area.
A proactive policing plan and extra patrols will continue in the area and we continue to engage with those who were directly impacted by this incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Gamble said: “No-one was injured as a result of this action but it was irresponsible none the less. We support the right to protest peacefully but will take immediate action against those who are seeking to commit crime and damage property.
“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed these events or from anyone who may have dashcam footage prior to the incident and may have seen the white van on its approach to Meridian Way at approximately 7.45am this morning.”
