IOPC to investigate the Met over ‘excessive force’ at Peckham immigration protest

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)  is investigating the Met over allegations of “excessive force” at a protest to stop an immigration raid.

On June 11, protesters blocked immigration officers in Evan Cooke Close, Peckham, from transporting a man who had been arrested on immigration offences. He was believed to have overstayed his visa.

At the time, an Evan Cook Close resident told the South London Press that the protesters had been “peaceful” and blocked the immigration officer’s van.

He said there were “scuffles” and that police then became aggressive with protesters ” pushing them to the floor and stamping on them”.

Images and videos circulating on social media also showed police aggression towards protesters.

IOPC regional director, Sal Naseem, said: “To assist with our investigation into the level of force the police officers used, we would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened.

“We are aware that footage of the incident, which appeared to show force being used, was posted on social media in the aftermath of the incident and would urge anyone who either has or knows of any footage that may have been recorded, to contact us as soon as possible.”

The Met said it could not comment now that an IOPC investigation had opened.

Picture top: Protesters on Evan Cook Close block immigration van with a detained man inside Picture: Steven Hitchens