EXCLUSIVE: The Express visited an encampment on London’s “billionaires’ row” where migrants were spotted drinking vodka at 9am.
Migrants in Park Lane, London. (Image: Tim Merry)
The Express was chased out of a makeshift camp in London’s Park Lane after a migrant aggressively threatened to break our equiptement.
Around 19 tents have been set up on the luxury spot in Westminster, in front of five-star hotels and restaurants. The group, who largely come from Romania, have been camping on the land while the authorities do nothing, with the Mayor of London’s office defending them, claiming migrants are a “huge strength” to London.
On our first attempt to enter the area, one individual approached us and shouted to move away. After crossing to his side of the road, he became increasingly aggravated and threatened to “break” our equiptment.
A few angry exchanges later, the man shouted at us to go in, yet the other migrants greeted us with further hostility.
The men sitting down in the camp were yelling inaudible phrases while wagging their fingers in the air. However, one lady, Roman, explained to me that they were here “trying to find work”.
“I’ve been here for two weeks. I came over on a bus from Romania. But I’m homeless as there’s no room,” the 28-year-old said. Roman was busy packing up her tent to head to Victoria, where she said they were moving next.
The migrants, who not only shout at the public but also “fight between themselves”, have been seen drinking vodka in the early hours of the morning and relieving themselves in public areas.
“I don’t want to have anything to do with them because they drink a lot and they get aggressive – between themselves too,” one witness, who works for 12 hours a day next to the camp, told the Express. He added: “Even this morning, like 5 o’clock or 6 o’clock in the morning, they were shouting and someone was ripping another one. They’re building new tents every day. They go around begging, stealing stuff.”
Park Lane: The Express reports from migrant camp in London
Express reporter Lotti OBrien at Park lane migrant camp (Image: Tim Merry)
The migrants have already previously been pictured defecating in the street, with one particular area covered in faeces.
“They go over there in the bushes. In the sun like this, there are horrible smells,” he added. The worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said they have been here for a few months. Speaking about the migrant who threatened to “break [our] phones in two”, he said: “I’ve seen him aggressive.” Situated a few meters away from the camp, the man had set up his tent on the pavement.
The move follows a notice put up outside the camp by Transport for London informing the migrants that the government body has “applied for a Possession Order over the central reservation of Park Lane.”
The court has listed the TfL application for hearing at Central London County Court at 10am on Thursday, May 22.
One camper who threatened to break’ our phones. (Image: Tim Merry)
A court notice from Transport for London, before it was ripped down. (Image: Tim Merry)
However, the worker across the road from the camp claimed the notice was “ripped down” the same morning it was posted.
A concerned Londoner has previously raised the issue of the camp with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Khan’s office responded to the grievance, hailing migration as the capital’s “huge strength.”
Replying to the individual who complained, the statement, seen by the Express, read: “Migrants and refugee communities face specific barriers to participating in and contributing to life in London, including accessing employment and housing opportunities.
“The Mayor’s position is that London has always been a city that welcomes migrants and provides sanctuary to those who need it. The Mayor is clear that we draw huge strength from the contribution of migrants and refugees who make London their home. They enrich our society, communities, culture and economy in myriad ways, making London a welcoming, diverse and truly global city and bringing cultural energy to Londoners’ ever-evolving shared identity.”
Sadiq Khan’s Office and TfL have been contacted for comment.
Most Popular Comments
1st Most liked comment • 28 minutes ago22
“Nigel, you have one helluva job on your hands! We will support you in EVERY way possible!”
2nd Most liked comment • 26 minutes ago20
“They are a public health hazzard..Return.”
3rd Most liked comment • 24 minutes ago20
“I am only surprised that Khan’s Khonstabulary did not arrest the Reporter and …”