Several demonstrators have been detained following clashes between rival groups outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London.
The protest, organized under the slogan “Thistle Barbican needs to go — locals say no,” drew opposition from a larger counter-demonstration in support of asylum seekers, whose banner declared: “Refugees are welcome.”
Metropolitan Police intervened to break up brief scuffles between the groups and later imposed conditions on both the protest and counter-protest to maintain order.
Inside the hotel, believed to be accommodating migrants, some residents watched the demonstrations unfold, waving and blowing kisses from the windows in response to the supporters gathered outside.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in local communities over housing asylum seekers in city hotels.
