London Police Use Tear Gas on Protesters in Anti-Gentrification Rally

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Metropolitan police have used tear gas against protesters after they have tried stormed into a police station in South London's Brixton during anti-gentrification demonstrations, local media reported Saturday.

According to ITV, members of the law enforcement removed the protesters who entered the station using tear gas.

Thousands of people have gathered in Brixton's central square to protest against gentrification earlier in the day, according to media.

The event's organizers claim they support change and regeneration which would benefit the existing communities in the area, but not gentrification. The local council or associations have sent eviction notices to tenants of at least four council homes to be renewed by private constructions.

"Stop rent rises, stop evictions," the protesters' placards read. Other slogans included "People before profit," "More council homes, not luxury homes," and "Property developers are vultures."

One demonstrator held a sign saying "Black communities matter," protesting against the gentrification of Brixton, which has a large percentage of residents of African and Caribbean descent.

"Social diversity is driven out by lack of truly affordable housing. Local businesses are driven out by increasing rents and redevelopment schemes that benefit national & multinational businesses, siphoning money out of the area," according to the event's organizers, who fear only the wealthy would be able to live in Brixton.

Gentrification is affecting more and more regions all over London, with people protesting against urban renewal. Earlier this week, anti-gentrification campaigners disrupted a property developer event in London, according to the local media.