‘This was a police attack on peaceful protesters’
Metropolitan Police officers were called to a peaceful protest, at which point they threw young women to the ground and “stamped on” protestors, witnesses have claimed.
An immigration raid went viral on social media after crowds of people surrounded a van where immigration officers detained a man. On Saturday afternoon, the incident happened at Evan Close, Peckham, and saw a crowd of 200 people stand up to police.
Once officers were at the scene, witnesses say the atmosphere took another turn.
Police immigration raid in our ward NOW.
I’m here with over 100 others. Block the van from taking one of our neighbours – come and join us now on Evan Cook Close SE15!
— Reginald Popoola 🍉 (@ReginaldPopoola) June 11, 2022
“It was a peaceful protest, people were just sitting down or standing around,” one witness Angus told MyLondon. “Then police started rushing the crowd. Young women were pushed to the ground by officers. This wasn’t two sides clashing, this was a police attack on peaceful protesters. Plenty of people were injured, I saw one guy with a huge cut on his head.”
Another immigration raid successfully RESISTED. The man was released back to his home after we blocked the van from moving 👏
As cops left we shouted “don’t come back to Peckham”, but we know they’ll be back and when they are we need to turn out like this again. Well done all. pic.twitter.com/9im57wyLKf— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) June 11, 2022
Videos from the scene seemingly show officers kicking and stamping on protestors, with a woman heard shouting “Get the f*** off him” in the background.
Angus told reporters that the crowds initially started small, but some “200 people” ended up blocking the vehicle for over four hours.
This is what it looks like when we #withdrawconsent. The walk of shame for police and immigration enforcement officers leaving a Peckham estate, after releasing the person they detained today is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/NTvpcfJjuS
— Michael Morgan (@mikecmorgan) June 11, 2022
Chants of “shame on you” and “let him go” can be heard in the video.
In a rare victory for protestors, an officer announced via megaphone that the unnamed man would be released on bail.
“Don’t come back to Peckham,” was shouted in response.
Warning: distressing content
An immigration raid was held off in Peckham this afternoon by community action.
This was police response. pic.twitter.com/EahoEJAZdn
— Ava-Santina (@AvaSantina) June 11, 2022
“Police were called to Evan Cook Close on Saturday, June 11, shortly after 1.30pm to a report of protesters obstructing immigration officers,” the Met Police told the outlet.
“Officers attended and found a van was being prevented from leaving the location. One man had been arrested by Immigration Enforcement officers on suspicion of immigration offences. He was subsequently released on bail.”
Related links
- Inside Boris Johnson’s Tory party: ‘They’re running this place like gangsters’
- Vladimir Putin compares himself to Peter the Great. Ivan the Terrible is more fitting
- Americans horrified as Prince Charles talks about cost-of-living crisis from golden throne
