Police have been deployed to the Britannia Hotel in East London this afternoon after crowds attempted to block taxis and people carriers transporting migrants from the premises.
Witnesses reported seeing several Addison Lee vehicles and other people carriers entering the hotel grounds before departing with groups of migrants. Approximately 30 people gathered outside in an attempt to stop the taxis from leaving, prompting officers to intervene.
Police formed a cordon to allow the vehicles to depart safely and prevent disorder. No arrests have been confirmed at this stage.
The reasons for the removal of migrants from the hotel have not been disclosed. The Britannia Hotel has been used as accommodation for asylum seekers, and previous operations of this nature have drawn both protest and counter-protest in the area.
A request for comment has been sent to the Home Office regarding the relocation and current use of the Britannia Hotel.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “We continue to have officers deployed in the vicinity of the Britannia International Hotel where protests have taken place over recent days and weeks.
“They are there to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses, to ensure that any further protest takes place peacefully and to respond to any incidents.
“We continue to encourage those exercising their lawful right to protest to do so responsibly and with consideration to the impact on those trying to go about their lives in the local area.
“Anyone who crosses the line from lawful protest into criminality can expect to face police action.”
