Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters marched outside a London hotel where asylum seekers are being housed.
A bus-load of male migrants moved into the four-star Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The demonstrators, mainly made up of women and girls, were holding signs saying “my streets, my choice,” and "forced hosting is NOT democracy”.
They were seen marching in the streets of the capital waved Union Jacks and St George’s Cross flags while chanting "What do we want? The boats to stop! When do we want it? Now!"
Signs reading "we are not far right, but we’re not far wrong. Don’t gamble with our lives, stop the boats!" can be seen in the crowds.
Police officers have reportedly threatened to arrest women who don't move out of the road.
Counter-protests arrived at the scene shortly after, claiming that there is a dearth of “safe and legal routes” for asylum seekers.
Videos of the protest are circulating online.
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Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters marched outside a London hotel where asylum seekers are being housed
|GB NEWS
One showed a mum who said: "All these ladies here have teenage daughters… who are now petrified of letting them go out and play."
While another protestor held a sign which read: "Protect our women and children."
Footage of the asylum seekers arriving at the hotel sparked criticism within the local community.
The migrants were filmed carrying brown envelopes and dressed in dark colours.
The demonstration was mainly made up of women and girls
|GB NEWS
This is the latest in a growing number of protests across the UK on the use of asylum seeker hotels.
On Saturday, the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in central London saw protesters chanting and banging drums in the street below while others waved union flags and held banners.
Young men believed to be asylum seekers inside the building were pictured laughing and filming from the building's windows as protesters gathered on the streets below.
A counter protest, organised by Stand Up To Racism and supported by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, was separated from pro-migrant demonstrators by metal barriers and police.
While another protestor held a sign which read: 'Protect our women and children'
|GB NEWS
This isn't the first time protests have taken place outside the Britannia hotel, which the Government intends to use as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, according to Tower Hamlets Council.
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: "We are aware of the Government's decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
"It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel.
"We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place."
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: "Officers are deployed in the vicinity of the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf this afternoon, where a protest is taking place.
"At one point, officers intervened after flares were let off in the crowd. Several people were searched. No further flares were found.
"One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker after an officer was pushed. He was taken into custody.
"Officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to local residents and businesses, to ensure that any further protest takes place peacefully, and to respond to any incidents."