Several protesters were detained by law enforcement after a clash between rival groups outside a hotel temporarily hosting asylum seekers.
The capital's law enforcement officers have set special requirements for protesters and their opponents near the Thistle City Barbican hotel in the Islington area in the north of the British capital.
Observers, presumably temporary hotel residents, watched from windows, some greeting the crowd with gestures and blowing kisses, while street activists chanted slogans to the beat of drums.
An incident involving a man wearing an England football shirt ended with him being arrested after a conflict with law enforcement officers.
Anti-fascist activists blocked traffic at the intersection adjacent to the hotel.
Police officers made their way through the crowd, detaining individual participants and physically removing them from the crowd.
After the group moved from the roadway, law enforcement officers explained to the detainees that they had violated the established rules for holding the event, forming a security cordon around them.
By 15:30, nine arrests had been officially confirmed, including seven cases on suspicion of failing to comply with public order laws.
Parallel protests and counter-protests were also recorded in Newcastle at The New Bridge Hotel.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the local initiative against the use of the Islington Hotel was held under the slogan “Demolition of Thistle Barbican – residents object”.
The counter-protest has received support from the Stand Up To Racism movement, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, as well as representatives of the Finsbury Park Mosque and the local branch of the Labour Party.
Law enforcement agencies noted that the protest against the placement of refugees in the hotel “attracted supporters from other regions, which potentially increased the number of participants.”
Among the online communities that supported the protest were Patriots of Britain and Unite for Children.
A counter-protester outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel said he wanted migrants to feel safe in the UK.
Student Pat Prendergast, 21, commented: “I care about people feeling safe. It feels like [opponents] are making people feel threatened by what they're doing.”
“We want to express solidarity and confirm that we are ready to welcome these people here.
Our society needs migrants and asylum seekers.”
A small group of activists displayed union symbols and posters near the hotel.
“Get the scum off our streets!” one of the participants shouted at the building.
Protesters in black clothes and masks, chanting “Antifa is us,” attempted to approach the group of opponents.
The brief standoff was stopped by the prompt intervention of law enforcement officers.
The Metropolitan Police has announced a strategy to “respond quickly to protests at other London hotels used to host refugees”.
The agreed conditions for the protest included limiting the area to King Charles Square and a time frame of 1pm to 4pm.
A section of Lever Street near the intersection with Central Street was allocated for counter-protesters with similar time regulations.
Chief Superintendent Claire Haynes, police lead on the operation, said: “We have been coordinating with organisers on both sides over the past few days, building on ongoing dialogue between local services, community groups and partners.
We recognize the strength of conviction on all sides.
Our staff will act impartially, ensuring the safety of participants, but responding promptly to any illegal actions.
Using legislative powers, we have created conditions to prevent large-scale unrest and reduce the negative impact on the daily lives of citizens and businesses.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
