Two people have been arrested at a protest at the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, the Metropolitan Police said.
More than 100 people were protesting with Stand Up to Racism at the hotel in London against recent anti-migrant demonstrations.
They gathered as part of the ‘Defend Refugees, Stop the Far Right’ demonstrations happening across the UK on Friday.
Around 100 counter-protesters also gathered at the venue, shouting “stop the boats” as a number of them waved the Union flag.
It came as officers also imposed conditions on the group protesting against the use of the hotel to house asylum seekers.
The force posted on X: “Officers have made two arrests in Canary Wharf.
“One person protesting against the use of the hotel by asylum seekers has been arrested after a bottle was thrown at officers.
“A member of the counter-protest group has been arrested for failing to remove a face covering.
“We have imposed conditions using the Public Order Act to prevent serious disorder at the protests in Canary Wharf.
“The group protesting against the use of the hotel by asylum seekers have been instructed to remain in front of the blue hoarding on the pavement opposite the Britannia Hotel.”
Dozens of protesters were escorted by a large number of police officers, and they were carrying banners that read: “Never again: remember history, fight fascism” and “Refugees welcome”.
There was a continued heavy police presence at the scene.
Other counter-protesters wore St George’s Cross flags wrapped over their shoulders or neck, with a handful wearing full-face coverings. A counter-protester also unfurled an Israeli flag.
Meanwhile, a reporter complained to the police after claiming she was struck by a placard while attempting to interview anti-racism protesters.
Sophie Reaper, GB News’ North West reporter, was broadcasting live on Thursday as she approached people gathered for a Stand Up to Racism protest near the Cresta Hotel in Altrincham, Cheshire.
Speaking to the channel shortly afterwards, Ms Reaper said: “I was definitely a bit shaken up after it happened and I have got a bit of a killer headache now because what people might not have realised is at the front it was a placard but from the back the gentleman hit me with the metal pole that was attached to his flag.”
She went on: “I have spoken to Greater Manchester Police because I don’t feel it is appropriate for violence to ever be used.”
A spokesperson for the channel confirmed Ms Reaper was fine following the incident and that she had reported the matter to police.
Police chiefs have warned they are ready to “mobilise significant and specialist resources” if unrest breaks out at a string of anti-migrant protests planned at hotels housing asylum seekers.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) is working with forces across the country and monitoring intelligence in preparation for a fresh wave of protests on Friday, with demonstrations planned at up to 14 hotels across the country.
