Anti-vaccine protestors inside the offices of ITN in London
Anti-vaccine protestors stormed the offices of ITN and shouted abuse at Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow.
Dozens of people were pictured inside the reception of the building in central London, which houses the news operations of ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Staff were locked in their offices as security tried to stop people getting through the gates.
Crowds of police were seen rushing to the scene and there were clashes inside the reception as officers tried to clear people out.
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Dozens of people occupied the reception of the building (Picture: Paul Brown
After around an hour inside, the anti-vaxxers were seen leaving the building of their own accord.
A few breakaway protestors were filmed harassing Mr Snow, the veteran news presenter, as he tried to make his way into the building via a back entrance.
A man was heard shouting ‘it’s a real shame you didn’t speak up for the children when you could have’ as the journalist was ushered inside by minders.
It’s the latest in a string of actions targeting the media by anti-vaccine groups.
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Newsnight’s Political Editor Nicholas Watt was chased and harassed while walking through Westminster back in June.
Then, earlier this month, there were clashes between protestors and police inside Television Centre, the old headquarters of the BBC.
The MP David Lammy was among those to condemn the latest scenes.
He tweeted: ‘This is horrendous. @jonsnowC4 is one of the UK’s finest broadcasters – but all journalists should be free to do their jobs without harassment, intimidation or abuse.’
More: Coronavirus
An ITN spokesperson said: ‘ITN staff including those working in ITV News, Channel 4 News and 5 News, have been advised to either stay in the building or stay away while the situation is being dealt with.
‘News organisations have provided a vital source of information during the pandemic. The abuse of journalists because of their reporting on coronavirus is a worrying development which ITN has been closely monitoring and actively ensuring staff are aware of precautions to avoid coming to any harm.
‘This action resulted in journalists being prevented from being able to go about their newsgathering activities, something that ITN strongly condemns.’
The Metropolitan Police said its officers were ‘on scene engaging with building security and removing those who have gained entry.’
The force confirmed the protestors had left the building at around 3.30pm and ‘moved off in the direction of Kings Cross.’
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https://metro.co.uk/2021/08/23/dozens-of-anti-vaxxers-storm-itn-headquarters-and-chase-after-jon-snow-15137670/
