200 protesters block immigration officers’ van during Peckham arrest

Met police called to help enforcement officers get past crowd of demonstrators after Nigerian man detained for overstaying visa

A man arrested for immigration offences was released on bail after protesters gathered in south-east London on Saturday for hours to block a van he was being transported in from leaving.

Video footage posted on Twitter showed a crowd of about 200 people sitting on the ground in front of the vehicle in Peckham while another clip showed members of the public standing and shouting let him go".

Metropolitan police officers were called to Evan Cook Close, near Queens Road train station, shortly after 1.30pm to a report of protesters obstructing immigration officers" and said officers remained at the scene shortly before 5pm.

It is understood the man is Nigerian and was suspected of overstaying his visa. He was released on immigration bail.

A spokesperson for the force said: Officers attended and found a van was being prevented from leaving the location.