Five people have been arrested during protests outside hotels in West Drayton this afternoon (Saturday, 30 August).
Police said they had a plan in place for the area after being made aware of protests due to take place outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stockley Road, UB7.
At around 12:00pm, two anti-asylum groups marched to the hotel. A group of masked men attempted to enter through the rear entrance, damaging the security hoarding. Officers were already at the scene and further officers were deployed.
A breakaway group then moved towards the nearby Novotel on Cherry Lane before some of the crowd moved on towards the Holiday Inn. Officers placed cordons in the area to prevent a breach of the peace and three arrests were made. Two officers received minor injuries.
A Section 35 dispersal order was issued, allowing police to direct people to leave the area if they suspected disorder. Two more arrests were made as the crowd was dispersed.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers remain in the area to deal with any further disorder, with support from the police helicopter. The dispersal order will be reviewed into the evening.
Protesters did not gain entry to any of the hotels.
Commander Adam Slonecki, who is leading policing in London this weekend, said: “We have prepared with additional resources to police protests at migrant hotels over the last few weeks and this weekend is no exception.
“We understand strength of feeling on these issues, but where peaceful protest crosses the line into criminality, including injuries to our officers, we will take immediate action.
“We deployed additional officers to the area and five arrests have been made for offences including assault on a police officer, affray and violent disorder.
“Around 500 protesters were in the area, but most people have now dispersed from the immediate vicinity. However, further arrests will be made if we need to tackle disorder.
“Local residents and businesses can expect to see our continued presence and patrols in the area.”
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