Three individuals arrested after protesting to prevent a coach from transporting asylum seekers to Bibby Stockholm
Police responded to a call at around 8.40am on Thursday regarding people obstructing a coach outside a hotel in Peckham.
After protesters blocked a coach set to transport asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm barge, three people have been charged.
The incident occurred outside a Best Western Hotel in Peckham, with 45 people arrested after officers were assaulted while trying to prevent the protesters from obstructing the coach, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Charged with obstructing the highway are Callum Goode, Jony Cink, and Indea Barbe-Wilson.
Goode and Cink are expected to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in custody, while Barbe-Wilson will appear on June 6.
A large group of protesters surrounded the coach in Peckham Road, with police officers present at the scene.
Video footage showed some altercations between officers and protesters.
The demonstrators chanted slogans like “no borders, no nations, stop deportations,” and “refugees are welcome here,” during the protest.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan expressed concern over officers being assaulted while carrying out their duties, following the incident in Peckham.
He explained that officers warned the coach driver and protesters, but the demonstrators continued to block the road, leading to more officers being dispatched to safely clear the area.
Protesters claimed that police were aggressive towards peaceful demonstrators, while a charity founder mentioned threats made to asylum seekers.
The Home Office has not confirmed any future plans regarding the asylum seekers’ transportation, but Home Secretary James Cleverly reiterated the government’s commitment to a “firm but fair approach.”
