A violent clash erupted between far-right protesters and the trans community outside a drag queen storytime event at a Lewisham pub yesterday (June 26).

The trans group claims they were attacked while standing outside the Honor Oak Pub, where the children’s Magical Storytelling time event was being held.

The controversial event has led to several clashes between protesters and counter-protesters this year. 

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that four people were arrested during the demonstrations and two people have been charged.

The Daily Mail reported that approximately 50 far-right demonstrators held banners in protest of the drag queen story time event, while trans rights activists’ banners said, “Love is a human right” and “don’t let the far right divide us: Defend LGBT+ communities".

The far-right protesters had claimed that the event was not appropriate for children, as they held up banners that read, “Protect our Children: There is no such thing as a ‘trans-child’” and “leave our children alone".

The Daily Mail reported that Turning Point UK claims it “did not antagonise” the group and instead “walked past them in an effort to set up away from them in an open space next to the Honor Oak before the protest”.

The right-wing group alleged they “were attacked and acted in self-defence”.

However, The Trans Safety Network claims that the other group were the aggressors and told the Daily Mail that “Fascists attacked trans counter-protesters protecting children attending a drag time story event in Honor Oak Pub.

“The fascists grabbed people and began attacking them, breaking the pub window and causing serious injuries.”

Some members of the far-right group reportedly belong to political parties according to the Daily Mail, such as the Football Lads Alliance and Blood & Honour, that are linked to extreme right-wing National Front, British National Party and British Movement.

Others are allegedly part of conservative organisation Turning Point UK, which aims to challenge the view that young people are more likely to be left-wing.

In a statement, Turning Point UK said: “There were no far-right activists in attendance and instead the radical trans-activists attacked attendees of our demonstration with wooden clubs.”

The Trans Safety Network tweeted an image of a protester with a bloody nose, along with the caption: “For clarity, Ada was attacked twice today. First by street fascists when police were entirely absent. Then again later by the police whilst making an arrest.”

Police have responded to this allegation with: “We are aware of a photo on social media showing a person outside The Honor Oak pub in Lewisham with facial injuries.

“It has been alleged that they were punched by a police officer during an altercation between protest groups on the morning of Saturday, 24 June.

“Initial enquiries after the incident suggested it was unlikely that their injuries had been sustained as a result of contact with police.

“Following further enquiries, we now believe the person was in the immediate vicinity when officers moved in to the middle of a group of protestors to detain an individual and it is possible that this is when they sustained their injuries.

“Officers attempted to engage with them at the scene about their injuries but they declined any assistance.

“Should they wish to contact us at any point we will be happy to speak to them.”

A statement on the pub’s website reads: “Every last Saturday of the month we will be hosting our Magical Storytelling session, hosted by That Girl.

“It has come to our attention that there may be some misunderstanding about the event, so we wanted to reassure you all that our popular Magical Storytelling event will be age appropriate and it isn’t anything different to what families will see and experience together in a theatre.

“This event is an opportunity for families and friends to come together and listen to a reading of a storybook and have fun.

“The most important thing for us is that everyone is safe and happy when they are here.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Two people have been charged in connection with a demonstration in Forest Hill on Saturday, 24 June.

“Police were in attendance at a demonstration and counter-demonstration outside the Honor Oak pub in St German's Road, Forest Hill, on Saturday, 24 June.

“A total of four people were arrested in connection with the demonstrations, two of whom have been since charged:

“Jamie Turvey, 33, of Farnborough was charged with using words to cause harassment, alarm or distress (contrary to Section 5 of the Public Order Act). Turvey was bailed, and is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 12 July

“Amardeep Dhillon, 28, of Lewisham was charged with failing to comply with conditions (contrary to Section 14 of the Public Order Act). Dhillon was bailed, and is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 12 July.

“The remaining two people, arrested on suspicion of assault, have been bailed pending further enquiries.”