Emergency services called to 'disturbance' at immigration centre in West London
It follows a power outage at the site near Heathrow Airport
Last updated 5th Nov 2022
Emergency services are on the scene of a reported "disturbance" at a West London immigration centre.
The Home Office says a group of detainees armed with "various weaponry" caused an issue at the site in the early hours of this morning, following a power outage.
No one was injured during the incident at Harmondsworth detention centre near Heathrow Airport, but the power was still out just before 9am on Saturday, according to the department.
The Home Office said in a statement: “There has been a power outage at Harmondsworth immigration removal centre, and work is currently under way to resolve this issue.
“We are aware of a disturbance at the centre and the appropriate authorities have been notified and are on scene.
“The welfare and safety of staff and individuals detained at Harmondsworth is our key priority.”
The Metropolitan Police service and HM Prison Service are at the scene.
A Home Office spokesman also told the PA news agency: “A group of detainees left their rooms and went out into the courtyard area armed with various weaponry.
“Territorial Support Police were sent to the scene, and the power is still off.”
They added that none of the detainees had left the premises.