Firefighters swiftly responded to reports of a blaze at the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London, on Sunday afternoon. The hotel, currently housing hundreds of asylum seekers, was reported to have an electrical fire on its seventh floor, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Fire engines from several London Fire Brigade stations, including Millwall, Poplar, and Whitechapel, were dispatched to the scene as a precautionary measure.
Upon arrival, fire crews conducted a thorough and systematic search of the building but found no evidence of fire. The London Fire Brigade later confirmed the incident was a false alarm, with no fire being discovered throughout the operation. The response concluded by 6:35 pm, and no injuries or damage were reported.
The Britannia International Hotel has in recent months been a focal point for large-scale protests against the housing of migrants. At the time of the emergency response, a small group of about a dozen protesters was gathered outside the premises. Some demonstrators were seen waving St George’s and Union Jack flags, which had been temporarily displayed on fencing around the hotel but were later removed. Security was tight, with five guards stationed at the entrance and two robust metal fences protecting the site.
Reports from recent protests have highlighted tensions in the area. Police have made several arrests related to public order offences, including the possession of drugs and assaulting emergency workers during demonstrations outside the hotel. Protesters have been known to set off flares and attempt to breach fencing around the building, causing disturbances that required police intervention.
The controversy surrounding the Britannia Hotel also extends to claims of asylum seekers engaging in economic activities outside the accommodation, such as working as delivery drivers. However, police statements have clarified these were hotel staff members, and no illegal activity has been substantiated.
This latest false alarm underscores the heightened sensitivity and ongoing tensions at the Britannia International Hotel. The presence of asylum seekers, along with opposing public sentiment and vocal protests, continues to fuel a complex and difficult dynamic in the area around Canary Wharf.
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Source: Noah Wire Services