'Refugees are welcome here!': Protesters in Peckham block coach from taking asylum seekers to Bibby Stockholm barge

Protesters in Peckham are blocking a coach from taking asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Dozens of protesters wearing face coverings surrounded the vehicle outside the Best Western in Peckham Road on Thursday morning.

A large police presence was reported at the scene.

Video showed an apparently peaceful protest, with activists surrounding the coach with linked arms, chanting “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.

Lime bikes have been placed under the wheels of the coach to stop it moving.

(Getty Images)

Protest group ‘end police violence’ posted on X: “We’ll be blocking this coach until we know for sure that our friends won’t be snatched today.”Details have not yet been confirmed by police, and it has not yet been confirmed the coach was headed to the Bibby Stockholm.

Journalist Kate Middleton, who was at the scene, wrote on X: “Police and home office security say the Peckham coach to Bibby Stockholm has been cancelled – but they won’t provide any proof/confirmation. 100s of People are holding the coach here in Peckham until confirmation.”

The Home Office and Met police have been approached for information.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

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