London’s Metropolitan Police are facing criticism after officers declined to arrest an asylum seeker who entered an elderly woman’s flat in Canary Wharf on the evening of 13 August. Police were called to the address on Marsh Wall at 18:07 after the man—who is being housed at the nearby Britannia Hotel—walked through an open door and was detained by residents. In a statement issued the following day, the force said no evidence of criminal intent had been established and the man was returned to the hotel. By contrast, three protesters gathered outside the building to complain about the decision were detained, with a 22-year-old woman charged with common assault, possession of an offensive weapon and affray. A Section 35 dispersal order was also used to arrest a 28-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman for failing to leave the area. The episode has prompted political and public backlash, with commentators questioning why suspected unlawful entry did not lead to charges while demonstrators were taken into custody. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who joined an anti-migrant protest in Waterlooville this week, said the case underscored the need to detain and deport irregular arrivals. Critics have urged current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to review the police handling of the incident; the Met says it is examining body-camera footage and other evidence.