Met Police defends ‘heavy-handed’ response after dozens of officers in riot gear are seen storming a homeless shelter in east London where 29 people were evicted
- Police defended response after 29 homeless people evicted from London shelter
The Met Police has defended its ‘heavy-handed’ response after dozens of officers in riot gear were seen storming a homeless shelter.
Officers evicted 29 homeless people from the shelter in east London yesterday.
In videos posted online, officers were seen pushing and chasing after people on foot in Tower Hamlets.
Although there were no arrests, one person was hospitalised after falling ill during the police raid.
Met Police Superintendent for the area Andy Port said while officers had ‘sympathy’ for homeless people in the shelter, they were breaking the law.
The Met Police has defended its ‘heavy-handed’ response after dozens of officers in riot gear (pictured) were seen storming a homeless shelter
Officers were seen pushing and chasing after people on foot in Tower Hamlets (pictured)
He said: ‘We are aware of concerns raised both via social and mainstream media, particularly around the fact the address was being used as a homeless shelter and that police attendance appeared to be ‘heavy-handed’.
‘Whilst we have sympathy for those who were using the premises, ultimately they have been acting outside the law in occupying the venue.
‘As well as acting on the wishes of the owner, more importantly we have taken this action in response to a growing number of complaints and concerns reported to us by local residents.
‘We did not want it to come to the point where we have had to escort individuals from a premises, but attempts to engage with the group had proved unsuccessful.
Officers evicted 29 homeless people from the shelter in Tower Hamlets, east London, yesterday
Although there were no arrests, one person was hospitalised after falling ill during the police raid
‘In terms of our attendance this morning, because of the lack of engagement from those inside it was difficult to know how many people were present, so we had to prepare accordingly. No one was arrested.
‘As police officers, we are here to serve our communities and uphold the law, but I know that this incident has understandably raised questions and concerns from those who may be unaware of the background and context.
‘As such we will continue to be open and transparent with the public in explaining the reasons behind our actions.’
A spokesperson for Autonomous Winter Shelter said: ‘Urgent support needed. Please come, record, support. We can’t let them take people.’
Met Police Superintendent for the area Andy Port (pictured) said while officers had ‘sympathy’ for homeless people in the shelter, they were breaking the law
He added: ‘We are aware of concerns raised both via social and mainstream media, particularly around the fact the address was being used as a homeless shelter and that police attendance appeared to be ‘heavy-handed’
Police became aware of the shelter in December 2022 after the owners of the building complained the homeless people were occupying it illegally.
There were also complaints from neighbours about anti-social behaviour, police said.
As part of their investigation, officers had also attended the venue on numerous occasions — including as recently as this week — with a view to speaking with the occupants.
The Met said that entry was always refused.
The force added: ‘We are aware that one of the occupants fell ill while police were in attendance.
‘He was given first aid at the scene by officers prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service who took him to hospital.
‘We understand he has since been discharged.
‘As is routine in such circumstances, we will review any interaction police had with the man prior to him becoming ill.’
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