Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Anti-vax protesters attempt to storm studio at BBC Television Centre

Demonstrators gather outside west London complex, which corporation ceased broadcasts from in 2013

Matt Mathers
Monday 09 August 2021 14:29 BST
Comments
Violent clash at BBC as anti-vaxxers try to storm the studios

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Anti-vaccine protesters have attempted to storm a studio at BBC Television Centre in west London.

A video shared online shows a mob, believed to be protesting against vaccine passports and vaccines for children, attempting to enter the complex in White City.

The footage appeared to show scores of demonstrators gathering at nearby Shepherds Bush Green before marching on the building, where Loose Women was live on air.

The crowd is then seen outside Television Centre, where it is met by a heavy police presence.

Protesters begin to shout “shame on you, shame on you” with one accusing the corporation of “not giving out the right information” and claiming “they are coming for our f****** children”.

A group of demonstrators then try to force their way into the building but are pushed back by police.

Television Centre was the headquarters of BBC Television until 2013, when broadcasting ceased after the production of shows was moved to several other sites across the UK, including Broadcasting House in central London and Media City in Salford. Much of the complex has since been converted into residential apartments.

The building protesters attempted to enter was that of BBC Studioworks, a commercial arm of the corporation which has retained and operated several studios at the site since 2017.

BBC Studioworks currently sublets two of its studios at Television Centre to ITV for the production of daytime programmes including Good Morning Britain and Lorraine.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a group of demonstrators who, having set off from Shepherds Bush Green shortly after 1pm, 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 BBC spokesperson said the corporation does not comment on security matters.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in