Anti-vax protesters try to storm BBC Television Centre - which the BBC left in 2013

The protesters clashed with police as they tried to enter the studio - although the BBC moved out of their former headquarters in 2013.
Footage on social media of the incident outside the BBC Television CentreFootage on social media of the incident outside the BBC Television Centre
Footage on social media of the incident outside the BBC Television Centre

Videos posted on social media showed police officers battling to keep a crowd from entering the BBC Television Centre in White City, west London.

The BBC vacated the site in 2013, and it is now used mainly for ITV Daytime programmes like Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women.

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The crowd, thought to be anti-vaccination protesters, could be heard shouting and chanting at police officers, who formed a wall in front on the studios.

At-a-glance: 5 key points

  • The protest started at Shepherds Bush Green at around 1pm on Monday (9 August) before making the short journey to the Studioworks site.
  • Some could be seen wearing masks while others had their hoods up as scuffles with police began.
  • The group were believed to be protesting against vaccine passports and vaccines for children.
  • Officers could be seen clutching batons as some protesters ended up on the floor, though no arrests were made according to police.
  • The incident unfolded as the daytime TV show Loose Women was being filmed live.

What’s been said?

TV presenter Charlene White wrote on Twitter the protest occurred while Loose Women was live on air.

She tweeted: “Huge thanks to Andy and the security team over at Television Centre.

“The protesters attempted to gain access to the building while we were live on air with @loosewomen – and we’ve only just left, because of safety.

“Andy and his team were just incredible, thank-you xx.”

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She later added: “And also huge thanks to the swift response of London’s @metpoliceuk … not an easy situation for them to deal with either.

“Not sure what protesters were hoping to achieve, but all they would’ve found was me, Jane, Nadia and Penny on @loosewomen talking about the menopause.”

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: “We are aware of a group of demonstrators who, having set off from Shepherds Bush Green shortly after 13:00hrs, are now gathered outside commercial premises in Wood Lane, White City.

“There have been no arrests but officers are in attendance and will continue to monitor the situation.”

A message from the editor:

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