Protesters clash with police and chant “let him go” after the man was arrested in an immigration raid

Huge crowds have gathered in Peckham, south east London, to block a reported immigration attack, with videos showing protesters chanting “let him go”.

Hundreds of people have gathered in a block in south London to protest against an alleged immigration raid.

Images and video reportedly show police clashing with protesters, including footage of officers hustling members of the crowd.

Screams can also be heard in pictures, which emerged this afternoon from Evan Cook Close in Peckham, south-east London, as officers shout at protesters to “back off”, it said MyLondon.

As a man appears to be being held, shouts of “let him go” can be heard in the background.

He was arrested by border guards on suspicion of immigration offences, while police came up with the plan after meeting with protesters.

The reported crackdown is understood to be discontinued due to the protest.

A witness said: “The man arrested by Peckham police in an anti-immigration raid has been released after massive protests from the local community!!”

According to MyLondon, a police officer announced through a megaphone that the man arrested on suspicion of immigration offenses had returned to his address after being released on bail.

The protesters then reportedly cheered and clapped before shouting at the police: “Don’t come back to Peckham”.

Meanwhile, video from the scene appears to show police kicking and stomping on a protester as they lie on the ground.

The crowds are believed to have started forming around 1pm before the numbers steadily increased.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called to Evan Cook Close, SE15 just after 1.30pm on Saturday 11 June for a report of protesters obstructing immigration officers.

“Officials were present and found that a van was being prevented from leaving the site. A man was arrested by border guards on suspicion of immigration offenses and has since been released on bail. The officers remain at the crime scene.”