Police have released footage of a clash between masked demonstrators and officers during an anti-illegal immigration protest at Canary Wharf shopping centre. The Metropolitan Police acted after claims on social media that officers deliberately used force against women and a child during Sunday's incident.
The footage shows dozens of demonstrators, some wearing masks, physically clashing with police as tensions escalated inside the shopping centre. An officer can be heard repeatedly shouting "get back" before using Pava spray, a synthetic form of pepper spray, towards protesters.
Police deny targeting claims
Scotland Yard strongly rejected allegations that officers intentionally directed force towards women and a child. The force said a small number of protesters acted aggressively, prompting officers to use Pava spray to protect themselves after witnessing an assault by a protester on a member of the public.
"Sadly, last weekend we saw a minority cross the line into criminality, including unacceptable aggression directed at officers," Scotland Yard said. "There has been commentary on social media about this incident, with some claims that officers intentionally directed that force towards women and a child. These claims are not true."
The Met acknowledged that other protesters and members of the public, including a child, "may have been temporarily affected by the use of Pava given the density of the crowds in the area". The force said it was making the video footage available to provide insight into the challenging situation officers faced.
Protest tensions
The incident occurred as protesters on both sides of the UK's migration policy debate gathered outside a hotel in Canary Wharf. Anti-illegal migration demonstrators, some wearing masks and carrying Union flags, were present alongside several children.
About 100 counter-protesters assembled across the road, holding banners reading "stand up to racism" and "stop the far right". The opposing groups created a tense atmosphere in the area.
Arrests and injuries
Police made four arrests including for common assault by a protester on a member of the public, possession of class A and B drugs, assault on police, public order offences and failure to disperse. One officer was punched in the face but did not suffer significant injury.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
