According to reports, around 100 people at the Harmondsworth facility in west London demonstrated in the exercise yard. A prolonged power outage, which left the center without power for up to 24 hours, is believed to have sparked the protest. No injuries were reported at the scene. Around 100 people were due to be moved out of the center to make way for new arrivals from the troubled and overcrowded center in Manston, but that process had to be suspended while Home Office contractors and emergency services dealt with the protest. A Home Office spokesman said: “There has been a power outage at Harmondsworth immigration removal center and work is currently underway to resolve this issue. We are aware that there is a disturbance at the center and the relevant authorities have been notified and are on the scene. The welfare and safety of staff and people detained at Harmondsworth is our top priority.” Home Office sources said people being moved to alternative locations from Harmondsworth would not be placed in hotels and would not be immediately released or detained when no fixed abode could be proven. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers have been providing support to staff dealing with a disturbance at the immigration removal center in Harmondsworth. Encounter officers attended the location at approximately 7.45pm on Friday 4 November. The police remain at the scene.”
