Lewisham’s elected mayor Brenda Dacres has condemned “misinformation” after a far-right protest failed to materialise in Lewisham town centre on Wednesday evening.
About 300 anti-racist demonstrators gathered by Lewisham Clock Tower in a peaceful demonstration to express their solidarity with migrants and those affected by rioting across England in the past week. No arrests have been reported.
But the situation was confused after social media alerts issued by the Metropolitan Police, which were reposted by Dacres’ own council, warning that trouble could be coming.
One quoted a senior officer as saying the force was “aware of plans circulating on social media relating to potential events across Lewisham this evening”, adding that many residents would be “appalled and worried”.
But the only event was the anti-racist demonstration, which passed off peacefully.
The most disruption in Lewisham on Wednesday evening was caused by the diversion of most bus services away from the town centre during the evening, leaving many travelling stranded without information as to what was going on.
The police also wrongly denied that Lewisham town centre shops were closing early, claiming they were “rumors” [sic] and that there was “misinformation online”. But some shops in the area – just metres from Lewisham police station – did display signs showing they were closing early.
Dacres said on social media as the demonstration was getting under way: “Our whole community here in Lewisham has been disturbed and distressed by racist, far-right activity over the past week.
“Tonight, a rally has been organised in Lewisham by anti-racist groups to show solidarity with communities targeted by the far right.
“Some local businesses have closed early and there will be an increased police presence in parts of the borough.
“It’s been a frightening week, and we all have a responsibility to combat misinformation and help cool heads prevail.”
The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment. Lewisham Council told The Greenwich Wire on Wednesday afternoon that market traders were asked to close early to allow room for the demonstration to set up, but that some shops had taken their own decision to close early.
Len Duvall, the London Assembly member for Greenwich & Lewisham, said: ““I am grateful that there was no violence in Lewisham yesterday. The far-right riots have torn apart communities across the country and I am pleased our community has not seen this – and not seen bad faith actors hijack protests to cause disorder.
“Police intelligence shifts constantly, especially when that comes from social media. I’m pleased Lewisham police urged caution and took steps to protect us – in our borough, London and across the country.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to the officers who have put themselves in the line of danger this week. Our community can see everything officers do to keep us all safe and we thank them for it.”
Scores of far-right attacks had been anticipated across England, but in the end there was little trouble. In London, there were two large counterprotests in Walthamstow and Finchley.
Police said there had been 15 arrests across the capital – with none reported in Lewisham and 10 in Croydon, which were not linked to any protest. Another 10 people were arrested in connection with trouble in Whitehall last week.
There were 1,300 extra police officers on duty, with vanloads of reinforcements seen waiting in a supermarket car park in Charlton earlier in the evening.
The threat of disorder came a day short of the 13th anniversary of the London riots, when buildings in Woolwich town centre were set alight as well as trouble in Lewisham.
Greenwich Council leader Anthony Okereke said there was “no verified intelligence of any disorder, riots, or gatherings” in his borough.
“We have a plan in place, and our CCTV control room is actively monitoring key locations across the borough,” he added.
“Be mindful when sharing anything online.There’s a lot of false information and rumours spreading, and it takes time and resources for the police to determine if these are real threats.”
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Updated at 4.35pm on Thursday to include Len Duvall’s statement and information from Lewisham Council.
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