A violent confrontation between police officers and squatters erupted at a disused warehouse in north London after the building's owners attempted to change the locks. The incident occurred at Anstasia House near Green Lanes in Haringey, a property that has been occupied by squatters for seven years. Local residents have been supportive, providing food and essentials to those living there.
Standoff and Skirmish
On Monday morning, the building’s owners arrived with Metropolitan Police officers to change the locks, but squatters and locals blocked their efforts. What began as a standoff quickly escalated into a skirmish as the crowd broke through the police line. The dramatic clash was captured on video and widely shared on social media.
Squatters claimed they were handled roughly by police. Aaliyah, 22, who was present, said: “The police were swinging batons, they were being aggressive, they lost their cool. I was hit.” She described the squat as a refuge for those who had fallen through the cracks of society, adding that locals were supportive. “We feel like this is a symptom of everyone struggling at the same time. I really want this to set a precedent that vulnerable people don’t deserve to be pushed out first. Local people are very supportive, they bring us food and other stuff.”
Another squatter recounted: “It was like a stampede, we had to pull our friends out. We are peaceful. The building is a business premises not being used. We have nowhere else to go.”
Community Support for Squatters
A mother-of-two living nearby expressed solidarity with the squatters: “They are doing no harm. I’ve brought them food before. There are so many homeless in London. The squatters are friendly and have become part of the community. The police have to do their job, but these are not violent people.” A local business owner echoed this sentiment: “They are as good as gold, they are down on their luck and need somewhere to go. I’ve chatted to them, many don’t have family or have had problems and have nowhere to turn.”
Footage of the clash shows police vans and officers surrounding the building. Squatters claimed the owners tried to cut through the front door but were blocked by people inside. Since the incident, lookouts have been posted outside to alert residents if police or the owners return.
Police Account
The Metropolitan Police stated that officers faced a “hostile” group of up to 60 people and that five officers were assaulted. In a statement, the force said: “At 1.06pm on Monday, May 18, officers responded to reports of violent disorder at an address on Tavistock Road, Haringey. Hostility from a large group of people began after contractors attempted to change the property’s locks, resulting in between 50 and 60 people behaving aggressively towards the workers.”
“Police established a cordon to protect the contractors and ensure the work could be carried out. The violent behaviour continued, and included the group throwing objects at officers from height. Five Met officers were subject to assaults during the disorder but did not require further medical attention in hospital. Investigations have been launched into these offences. No member of the public reported any injury. Enquiries are ongoing. At this stage, no arrests have been made.”
Squatters argue that, because the premises is an unoccupied commercial property, they have the legal right to remain. The situation remains tense as both sides await further developments.
