Anti-vaccine protesters storm ITN HQ,
Tue 6:37 am +01:00, 24 Aug 2021Covid: Anti-vaccine protesters storm ITN HQ, home of ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 news operations
More than 100 anti-Covid vaccination protesters have stormed the headquarters of news producer ITN on Monday to criticise the introduction of vaccine passports.
The group made it into the reception area of the building in central London, which hosts ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5’s news operations, around lunchtime.
Police officers prevented them from gaining access to the rest of the building.
A group of the protesters targeted Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow as he made his way into the building.
The protestors streamed the invasion of the building and one person could be heard shouting: “They’re coming for our children.”
ITN bosses emailed staff to stop them from leaving the building or re-entering if they were outside at the time of the protesters’ arrivals.
An ITN spokesperson said: “ITN staff including those working in ITV News, Channel 4 News and 5 News, have been advised to either stay in the building or stay away while the situation is being dealt with.“News organisations have provided a vital source of information during the pandemic. The abuse of journalists because of their reporting on coronavirus is a worrying development which ITN has been closely monitoring and actively ensuring staff are aware of precautions to avoid coming to any harm. This action resulted in journalists being prevented from being able to go about their newsgathering activities, something that ITN strongly condemns.”
A number of police were present throughout the incident, as they looked to maintain calm.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that there were responding to a demonstration “where people have unlawfully gained access to the building. Officers are on scene engaging with building security and removing those who have gained entry.”
