In December 2022, police received a report from the owner of a residential property in Hardinge Street E1 that a group of people were illegally occupying the venue.
Subsequently police also received a number of complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour linked to the property.
Police carried out an investigation and in April 2023, a letter was delivered to those occupying the property requesting that they leave the building as they were in breach of Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment Offenders Act 2012.
As part of their investigation, officers had also attended the venue on numerous occasions – including as recently as this week – with a view to speaking with the occupants. Entry was always refused.
On Thursday, 1 June officers attended the address again and entered the premises using powers afforded to them under the above legislation. A total of 29 individuals were escorted from the property. No one was arrested.
We are aware that one of the occupants fell ill while police were in attendance. He was given first aid at the scene by officers prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service who took him to hospital. We understand he has since been discharged. As is routine in such circumstances, we will review any interaction police had with the man prior to him becoming ill.
Superintendent for Neighbourhoods in Central East, Andy Port, said: “We are aware of concerns raised both via social and mainstream media, particularly around the fact the address was being used as a homeless shelter and that police attendance appeared to be “heavy-handed”. Whilst we have sympathy for those who were using the premises, ultimately they have been acting outside the law in occupying the venue. As well as acting on the wishes of the owner, more importantly we have taken this action in response to a growing number of complaints and concerns reported to us by local residents. We did not want it to come to the point where we have had to escort individuals from a premises, but attempts to engage with the group had proved unsuccessful.
“In terms of our attendance this morning, because of the lack of engagement from those inside it was difficult to know how many people were present, so we had to prepare accordingly. No one was arrested.
“As police officers, we are here to serve our communities and uphold the law, but I know that this incident has understandably raised questions and concerns from those who may be unaware of the background and context. As such we will continue to be open and transparent with the public in explaining the reasons behind our actions.”
