Police officer punched in the face at London asylum hotel protest as four arrests made

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GB NEWS

George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 31/08/2025

- 18:08

Updated: 31/08/2025

- 18:59

Protesters moved into the Canary Wharf shopping centre

A police officer was punched in the face at an asylum hotel protest in London as three arrests were made.

The anti-asylum protest took place on the Isle of Dogs this afternoon, with protesters moving into the Canary Wharf shopping centre.


A spokesman for the Met Police said: "A small group became aggressive towards police.

"We have made three arrests for common assault, possession of drugs and assault on police/public order offences. One of our officers was punched in the face - luckily they have not suffered significant injury.."

Commander Adam Slonecki, in charge of policing London this weekend, said: "This afternoon we have unfortunately seen more disorder, following the five arrests made yesterday in the West Drayton area.

"We had plenty of officers on the ground who moved in swiftly to deal with the criminality that occurred inside and outside the shopping centre. We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"Today’s protest saw many community members attend, including women and children, and we worked to ensure the safety of those there to peacefully represent their views.

"Those who arrive at protests masked and intent on causing trouble will continue to be dealt with robustly at future protests. We remain in the area to deter any further disorder and provide reassurance to local residents and businesses.”

Police officers outside the Canary Wharf hotel (file pic)

Police officers outside the Canary Wharf hotel (file pic)

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PA

\u200bProtesters were filmed entering the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre

Protesters were filmed entering the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre

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Meanwhile, police have imposed restrictions ahead of a planned protest in Epping. Any protest must end by 8pm and must not block the road, Essex Police said.

The force has put a Section 60AA order in place giving officers the power to order the removal of face coverings.

A dispersal order, which covers the main high street and the area surrounding the Bell, Hotel will be in place until 4am.

It comes after three men were arrested and two charged after two police officers were injured in a protest outside the hotel on Friday.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper said: "These restrictions are in place to prevent serious disruption to the lives of our Epping residents, which remains at the forefront of our minds, as well as to prevent serious disorder, to prevent serious violence and to prevent serious damage to property.

"The restrictions allow anyone present to lawfully protest to do so within a six-hour window and within sight and sound of the Bell Hotel.

"We’ve consistently said that we will always seek to facilitate lawful protest but that does not include a right to commit crime, and we’ll take a firm approach to anyone intent on doing that.

"And to reiterate to the public, the strength of feeling in Epping is not lost on me – or anyone in Essex Police – and I would urge anyone who wants to make their voices heard to please do that peacefully and within the parameters outlined."

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