A protest involving approximately 50 individuals has broken out outside The Lighthouse Theatre on Camberwell, South London (Picture: UKNIP)
Protesters have clashed with police in south London after a demonstration related to ‘tensions in the Eritrean community’, Scotland Yard said.
Social media footage of the incident in Camberwell appeared to show protesters wielding sticks clashing with Met Police officers, bringing traffic to a standstill.
There is still a heavy police presence on the scene in Camberwell Road, where a demonstration saw approximately 50 people gathering outside a private venue before violence broke out.
The incident is said to have taken place near The Lighthouse Theatre, with witnesses claiming a clash between two groups outside the theatre as the source of the unrest.
Witnesses at the scene have reported that a clash occurred between two groups within the Lighthouse church building on Camberwell Road (Picture: UKNIP)
Additional officers were called in to provide back-up, Scotland Yard said.
A dispersal order has been put in place in the area until 7am tomorrow, giving police the power to exclude a person from the area.
Onlookers from a nearby block of flats have been observing the unfolding events.
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John Lubbock, who was present at the scene, told reporters ‘I’ve gone down to the scene, and there seems to have been a clash between two groups in the Lighthouse church building on Camberwell Rd. A group of protesters are being kettled outside.’
He further explained that individuals he spoke to claimed the protest was related to the Eritrean embassy meeting and the ensuing confrontation.
The Metropolitan Police’s Southwark Police account on X posted an update about the situation, stating, ‘Officers are on scene in Camberwell Road, SE5, where there is a protest with approximately 50 people gathered outside a private venue. Additional officers are on their way to the location to assist with the demonstration.’
A police spokesperson confirmed that arrests have been made, but was not able to say how many.
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The clashes started over ‘tensions in the Eritrean community’ before police intervened.