HUNDREDS of protestors have gathered near a migrant hotel after an asylum seeker guest was arrest on suspicion of assault.
Demonstrators waved Union Jack and England flags while others let-off smoke flares in the street outside The Britannia Hotel, in the Isle of Dogs.
George Cracknell WrightPink Ladies Anti Asylum Hotel Protestor gathering outside the Britannia International Hotel today[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightDemonstrators waved Union Jack and England flags while donning pink outfits[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightIt comes amid growing unrest[/caption]
It comes after a migrant in his 20s was arrested for common assault after entering a woman’s flat on Friday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night before he was detained by nearby members of the public.
He was arrested by police on suspicion of common assault and he remains in custody.
MailOnline reported that the man was a migrant staying in a Canary Wharf hotel.
He reportedly entered the woman’s house after being told to “go back to the hotel” where anti-migrant protestors were gathered.
The 22-year-old woman whose flat he entered was arrested on Wednesday evening.
Channay Augustus has since been charged with a number of offences including possession of an offensive weapon, affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and possession of cannabis.
The affray and common assault charge relate to an incident at the Britannia Hotel in Marsh Wall which occurred on Wednesday evening.
It concerned an alleged attack on a security guard at the hotel.
The Britannia Hotel has been the subject of recent protests after it was used for migrants arriving into Britain.
It was closed to paying customers and converted into taxpayer-funded “surge” accommodation for illegal arrivals in the UK.
Earlier this week a coach load of asylum seekers were seen running into the four-star establishment under the cover of darkness.
The Sun previously reported how mattresses, drinks and bed frames were shipped into hotel, which branded itself as the “perfect” place for tourists to spend a weekend.
The 500-room hotel – said to have “superb views over London” – was designated for asylum seekers in a move that has angered anti-migrant protesters who staged peaceful demonstrations outside.
George Cracknell WrightA migrant in his 20s was arrested for common assault after entering a woman’s flat on Friday in the Isle of Dogs[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightThe Britannia Hotel has been the subject of recent protests[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightHuge banners have been displayed reading: ‘We’re not far right but we’re not far wrong… stop the boats’[/caption]
Earlier this month, the first arrivals saw about 40 male asylum seekers sent to the hotel by coach, with most dressed in grey tracksuits.
The first arrivals were taken in at around 1.40am to be given rooms.
They were helped by masked security guards working as private contractors for the Home Office.
The use of the flash financial district hotel, one of around 210 hotels in use for asylum housing, was previously branded as farcical and an “insult” to taxpayers.
When open to the public, a standard room had cost as much as £425 a night – though it will cost the Home Office £81 a night.
Amenities include a games room with a pool table and gym, though it is unclear if migrants will be allowed to use them.
An indoor pool and sauna are thought to have been shut down.
A Tower Hamlets Council spokesman told The Sun previously: “We are aware of the Government’s decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
“It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.”
The Home Office previously said: “We inherited a broken asylum system from the Tories with costs spiralling out of control.
“As part of the plan to restore order and close all asylum hotels by the end of the parliament, we are boosting border security, substantially increasing removals of those with no right to be here.
“We are also tackling the Tories’ wasteful contracts by ending the use of more expensive accommodation and moving to cheaper options.”
Elsewhere, in Epping, a peaceful protest is expected to take place this evening.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Low height fencing is in place at a site opposite the hotel, which will assist us in facilitating the protest, maintaining road safety and minimising disruption to everyone driving in Epping this evening. The former taller fencing has been removed.
“Our officers at the protest site have all of the measures previously in place available to use should they believe there may be a risk of serious disorder or serious disruption in the area.”
George Cracknell WrightThe Britannia has been designated for asylum seekers[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightEarlier this month, the first arrivals saw about 40 male asylum seekers sent to the hotel by coach[/caption]
George Cracknell WrightUse of the hotel to house asylum seekers has been branded as farcical and an ‘insult’ to taxpayers[/caption]
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