A campaign group known as the Pink Ladies has accused the Metropolitan Police of being “heavy-handed” in their response to an anti-migrant hotel protest in Canary Wharf.
Violence broke out during the demonstration on Sunday afternoon after 50 to 100 masked men became “aggressive” to police officers and members of the public.
Dozens of protesters, carrying Union Jacks and placards, had gathered outside the Britannia International Hotel—currently used to house asylum seekers—before making their way to the shopping centre, where tensions escalated.
Synthetic pepper spray (PAVA) was used to disperse a crowd, which reportedly caught a 12-year-old child in the face, while police said one officer was “punched in the face”.
But Lorraine Cavanagh, chief organiser of the Pink Ladies, accused officers of being “heavy-handed” in their response to the protesters and rejected police claims that an officer was punched, saying “this is not what happened”.
She claimed a female police officer deployed her PAVA spray “incorrectly” during the protest and “accidentally injured herself” while doing so.
A 12-year-old boy was affected by the use of synthetic pepper spray, Ms Cavanagh said, alongside a 70-year-old Pink Ladies group leader.
The full statement read: “The Pink Ladies took part in a peaceful demonstration at Canary Wharf on 31st August 2025.
“Our purpose was, and always will be, to stand up for justice in a non-violent, compassionate, and respectful way.
“Unfortunately, during the demonstration, the policing approach was heavy-handed.
“We wish to clarify reports circulating in the media that a police officer was “punched in the face.” This is not what happened.
“In reality, a young policewoman deployed her pepper spray incorrectly and accidentally injured herself in the process.
“Far from being attacked, she was supported by our members, who immediately offered assistance by providing baby wipes and water to help relieve her discomfort.
“This moment of care protesters helping an officer in need has not been acknowledged in the press.
“Instead, inaccurate reports of violence have been circulated, which unfairly portray the protesters and distort the truth of what took place.
“At the same time, the police use of pepper spray caused real harm to peaceful demonstrators and bystanders.
“A 12-year-old boy was sprayed directly in the eyes. Our 70-year-old Pink Lady leader also suffered the effects of pepper spray, as did a News journalist who was covering the event.
“These incidents highlight the serious risks caused by reckless crowd-control tactics that indiscriminately affect children, elderly people, and members of the press.
“We call on journalists, editors, and the wider public to seek accuracy and fairness in reporting.
“Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and we will continue to exercise it responsibly and with compassion even when faced with provocation.”
Four arrests were made at the protest in Canary Wharf 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.
This followed five arrests that were made on Saturday at a protest in the West Drayton area.
Commander Adam Slonecki said Met Police would “not tolerate this kind of behaviour” and vowed those who “arrive at protests masked and intent on causing trouble will continue to be dealt with robustly at future protests.”
The Metropolitan Police had issued a Section 60AA order to “prevent people concealing their identity with masks” after facilitating peaceful protests on the Isle of Dogs.
Ongoing demos over the use of hotels are taking place around the country after the Government won a Court of Appeal challenge against an injunction which would have seen asylum seekers moved out of the Bell Hotel, Epping.
Commander Slonecki, in charge of policing London this weekend, said in a statement on Monday: “We facilitated peaceful protest on the Isle of Dogs on Sunday, 31 August as protestors marched from Manchester Road, along Westferry Road E14.
“The group entered Canary Wharf shopping centre at around 16:30hrs – a small number of masked protesters then became aggressive towards members of the public and police. Officers responded proportionately to tackle criminality and ensure the safety as best as possible of everyone in the area.
“Officers witnessed an assault by a protester on a member of the public inside Canary Wharf shopping centre. The man was immediately arrested on suspicion of common assault by officers who used PAVA spray.
“We are aware other protesters, members of the public and a female officer were temporarily affected by the use of PAVA given the density of the crowds in the area.
“That suspect has been bailed pending further enquiries.
“Three other arrests were made. A man arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs and a man arrested on suspicion of failure to disperse after a dispersal order was put in place for the area, and later handling stolen goods, both remain in custody.
“A fourth man was arrested for assault on police and public order offences. He had been released with no further action in relation to the assault and issued with a penalty notice for disorder for the public order offences.
“The events inside the shopping centre yesterday were fast moving and we have been working hard today to clarify what happened and progress our investigations.
“Several police officers were pushed and shoved to the body and face - unacceptable behaviour that constitutes an offence of assault - as they attempted to maintain order and protect the public. However, we are now satisfied no officer was punched. ”
