Zoë Garbett Statement: Police Operation in Ashwin Street

I condemn the action taken by the police in Dalston yesterday (14 May).

I was present from 18:45 where I spoke with riders, the union supporting riders (Independent Workers of Great Britain, IWGB), the police and members of the community/protesters.

The operation including about 20 police officers intended to tackle moped-related crime ranging from anti-social behaviour, driving without a proper license to mopeds being stolen and resold.

One rider was asked about their immigration status and reportedly arrested. Activists were already on scene and attempted to prevent this. The situation escalated quickly with, at its height, about 100 police in attendance with multiple clashes between the protesters and the police.

The police were pursuing and arresting people. I witnessed the police forcefully pushing  people and throwing them to the ground or out the way and using batons to hit people. It felt incredibly unsafe and threatening particularly with the police charging into the crowd and at individuals. There was a lot of disruption and distress caused for residents living, shopping and working in the area.

I did not see and there did not appear to be any attempts by the police to de-escalate the situation.

Read the full statement here

https://www.hackneygreens.org.uk/police_operation_in_ashwin_street