A police officer was allegedly punched in the face and four people were arrested at an anti-immigration protest march in London on Sunday.
The Metropolitan police said they had been facilitating a peaceful demonstration along Manchester Road and Westferry Road on the Isle of Dogs before “a small number of masked protesters then became aggressive towards members of the public and police”.
The group had reportedly moved into Canary Wharf shopping centre at about 4.30pm.
A section 60 AA order was issued to “prevent people concealing their identity with masks”, as well as a section 35 dispersal order which directed protesters to leave.
The Met said: “Arrests were made 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 of our officers was punched in the face – luckily they did not suffer significant injury.”
The protest, involving between 50 and 100 people, began outside the Britannia International hotel in Canary Wharf on Sunday afternoon.
Some anti-immigration demonstrators were seen carrying union flags and placards.
About 100 counter-protesters held banners bearing slogans including “stand up to racism” and “stop the far right”. The group also chanted: “Say it loud and say it clear, refugees are welcome here.”
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.
“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.”
He added: “We remain in the area to deter any further disorder and provide reassurance to local residents and businesses.”
