Hackney Council investigates security guard after protester pushed to ground

Hackney Council is reviewing the actions of a security guard after footage emerged that appears to show the officer pushing a protester to the ground. The incident occurred on August 27 during a demonstration at Hackney Town Hall.

The demonstration, which involved an occupation of the council headquarters, was organised by Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL). Protesters were raising concerns about the overcrowded conditions of temporary accommodation provided for a family. The group stated that protesters and their children were intimidated by security staff.

Allegations of excessive force

Footage shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) appears to show a council security guard pushing an unarmed protester to the ground after the man attempted to block the guard's path. The protester, who wished to remain anonymous, told the LDRS he lost consciousness for a few seconds following the incident. He also stated that the guard denied any wrongdoing and continued to confront other individuals.

Activists claim the security guard was attempting to seize items from a trolley belonging to the group, which reportedly contained children's toys and biscuits. The protest was in support of Sonia Monteiro and her children, who have been housed in a series of one-bedroom temporary accommodation flats deemed to be in breach of government guidance on overcrowding. HASL reports that the family has had three appeals against the council's housing decisions upheld.

Elizabeth Wyatt of HASL described the incident as the most violent and aggressive response the group had witnessed in 13 years of operation. She stated that despite a change in the council's rhetoric under the new administration, the handling of Sonia Monteiro's case indicated no change for homeless families.

Council response

Following the protest, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities and Adult Social Care, Sally Zlotowitz, spoke with demonstrators. According to HASL, Ms Zlotowitz confirmed her support for the group's right to protest and stated that the actions of security personnel would be investigated.

Hackney Council and Mayor Zoë Garbett were contacted for comment by the LDRS, but had not responded at the time of publication.