Arrests after 'masked men' try to enter asylum seeker hotel during demo outside four sites near Heathrow Airport

A GROUP of masked men tried to enter an asylum seeker hotel in west London today, police have said.

Officers are at the scene of protests outside the Crowne Plaza hotel in Stockley Road, Heathrow, and three other nearby hotels housing asylum seekers, today, Saturday, August 30 2025 and have arrested five people in connection with alleged disorder.

A policing plan was in place for the area due to protests the force knew were due to take place outside the asylum seeker hotel.

A force spokesman said: "At around 12pm two anti-asylum groups marched to the Crowne Plaza.

"A group of masked men attempted to enter the hotel via the rear entrance, damaging the security hoarding. Officers were already in attendance and extra officers were deployed to assist.

"A breakaway protest group moved towards the nearby Novotel on Cherry Lane where officers were also positioned before some of the crowd moved towards the Holiday Inn. Officers enforced cordons in the area to prevent a breach of the peace and three arrests were made. Two officers suffered minor injuries."

A Section 35 dispersal order was put in place which allows officers to direct people to leave the area and not return if they suspect they may cause disorder.

Two more arrests were made as officers dispersed the crowd.

Officers remain in the area to tackle any further disorder and ensure no obstruction to local roads. The police helicopter is also assisting. The dispersal order remains in place and will be reviewed as the evening continues. Protesters did not gain entry to any hotel.

Commander Adam Slonecki, in charge of policing London this weekend, said: “We have prepared with additional resources to police protests at migrant hotels over the last few weeks and this weekend is no exception.

“We understand strength of feeling on these issues, but where peaceful protest crosses the line into criminality, including injuries to our officers, we will take immediate action.

“We deployed additional officers to the area and five arrests have been made for offences including assault on a police officer, affray and violent disorder.

“Around 500 protesters were in the area, but most people have now dispersed from the immediate vicinity. However, further arrests will be made if we need to tackle disorder.

“Local residents and businesses can expect to see our continued presence and patrols in the area.”

Main image is from a previous demo at the hotel.