MIGRANT hotel residents have been spotted laughing while they video protesters and counter-demonstrators clash.
People believed to be asylum seekers inside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel, in Islington, waved and blew kisses at protesters in the street below.
The protest outside the north London hotel was sparked today, while another demonstration will also take place in Newcastle outside The New Bridge Hotel.
The Metropolitan Police said the display was organised by local residents under the banner “Thistle Barbican needs to go – locals say no”.
Online groups called Patriots of Britain and Together for the Children have voiced their support for the demonstration.
A counter-protest, created by Stand Up To Racism, has also unfolded.
On student involved said he wants migrants to “feel safe” in the UK.
Pat Prendergast, 21, said: “I want people to feel safe. I think the (rival protesters) over there are making people feel unsafe.
“I want to stand up in solidarity and say that, you know, we want people here.
“We want migrants. We want asylum seekers.”
Meanwhile people against the hotel being used for migrants shouted “get these scum off our streets”, while waving England flags.
A large group of masked protesters dressed in black and chanted “we are anti-fascist”.
A man donning an England football shirt was also arrested by police after an aggressive altercation with officers.
There were clashes before cops separate the two groups.
Chief Superintendent Clair Haynes, in charge of the policing operation, said: “We have been in discussions with the organisers of both protests in recent days, building on the ongoing engagement between local officers, community groups and partners.
“We understand that there are strongly held views on all sides.
“Our officers will police without fear or favour, ensuring those exercising their right to protest can do so safely, but intervening at the first sign of actions that cross the line into criminality.
“We have used our powers under the Public Order Act to put conditions in place to prevent serious disorder and to minimise serious disruption to the lives of people and businesses in the local community.
“Those conditions identify two distinct protest areas where the protests must take place, meaning the groups will be separated but still within sight and sound of each other.”
In a statement, the organisers of the counter protest said: “Yet again far-right and fascist thugs are intent on bringing their message of hate to Newcastle.
“They aim to build on years of Islamophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and scapegoating.
“In Epping and elsewhere recently we have already seen intimidation and violence aimed at refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.
“Newcastle, like the rest of the North East, has a well-earned reputation for unity in the face of those who seek to divide us.
“Whatever problems we face, racism and division are not the answer.”
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