Hundreds of ‘angry’ protesters block Rye Lane after video shows shop worker ‘strangling’ woman

Hundreds of ‘angry’ protesters have blocked Rye Lane in Peckham this afternoon after a video posted to social media yesterday showed a woman being strangled by a shop worker.

The video filmed inside Peckham Hair and Cosmetics shop shows a woman being aggressively handled by a man who works there and at one point grabs her around the neck.

The woman was reportedly trying to return some items but was told she was not able to. She allegedly attempted to leave with other items and the man is seen blocking her exit.

In another video of the incident the same woman is seen hitting the man and attacking him with a shopping basket.

A protest was called today at 2pm after anger grew at the video clips circulating online.

Nadim Baba, a journalist who lives in Peckham, attended the protest said the protesters were “angry but peaceful”.

“There are a few hundred people here,” said Mr Baba. “The road is closed to traffic and no buses can get past.

“There have been lots of chants of ‘touch one, touch all’. Lots of calls to only shop in black owned businesses as well.

“There are about 10 coppers just observing. People are angry but it’s peaceful and there’s no disruption expect for the buses.

“There’s a mood of disgust [at the video] and determination for a prosecution.”

Mr Baba said the shutters had been closed since he arrived there at 2pm.

A Met spokesman said officers were called to the shop at around 1.15pm yesterday to a report that a 31-year-old woman attempted to steal items and an employee prevented her from leaving.

The woman was also accused of assault and arrested on suspicion of assault. She was later bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local policing commander for Southwark, said: “We know people will be concerned about a video circulating online of an incident in a shop.

“Our officers attended on Monday and continue to investigate the full circumstances of what has taken place. The investigation will include reviewing the actions of everyone involved.

“I would like to thank people in our local community for remaining calm and giving us the time to conduct a thorough investigation.

“If you have information that may help us I would urge you to get in touch.”

 A spokesperson for the Met said: “We are aware of a protest outside the shop and officers are in touch with the organisers. We appeal for people to remain calm while we carry out a full investigation.”

Peckham Hair and Cosmetics were unavailable to make a comment.

Pictured top: Protesters gather after the “disgusting” video circulated online (Picture: Nadim Baba)