A protest involving approximately 50 individuals has broken out outside The Lighthouse Theatre on Camberwell Road, Camberwell, South London, today. Extra Metropolitan Police officers have been deployed to the scene to manage the crowd, as some protesters have been observed striking riot vans with sticks.

While the exact nature of the protest remains unconfirmed, there are indications that it may be linked to recent unrest in the African nation of Eritrea. Witnesses at the scene have reported that a clash occurred between two groups within the Lighthouse church building on Camberwell Road. According to some sources, the Eritrean embassy was hosting a meeting when protesters arrived, resulting in a confrontation between the two groups.

John Lubbock, who was present at the scene, commented on the situation, saying, “I’ve gone down to the scene, and there seems to have been a clash between two groups in the Lighthouse church building on Camberwell Rd. A group of ‘protesters’ is being kettled outside.” He further explained that individuals he spoke to claimed the protest was related to the Eritrean embassy meeting and the ensuing confrontation.

Videos and images shared on social media depict a crowd of protesters interacting with police officers, with some individuals striking riot vans with sticks. Riot vans have been stationed along the street, while officers equipped with riot shields are maintaining a line to control the crowd. Onlookers from a nearby block of flats have been observing the unfolding events.

The Metropolitan Police’s Southwark Police account on X posted an update about the situation, stating, “Officers are on scene in Camberwell Road, SE5, where there is a protest with approximately 50 people gathered outside a private venue. Additional officers are on their way to the location to assist with the demonstration.”