Furious butchers chase animal rights activists out of London’s Smithfield meat market as attempted demo ends in farce
- Video shows group of DxE protestors getting chased out of market by butchers
- The furious altercation took place at Smithfield Market in London last Friday
- Historic market has previously been targeted by Animal Rebellion protestors
Animal rights campaigners have been filmed in a furious spat with butchers, who chased them out of a meat market in central London.
The fight involving members of the group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) took place at Smithfield Market – which was last year targeted by Animal Rebellion activists.
Protestors claim the butchers ‘threw eggs and frozen animal parts at them’ during the altercation in London.
The altercation took place at the 800-year-old Smithfield Market in London
The footage was posted online by the DxE group, which said on Facebook: ‘The butchers at Smithfield Market in London city mob peaceful activists who are simply standing up for animal rights.
‘We will not back down until the killings stop Smithfield Market!’
The protestors added: ‘But what can you expect from people who enjoy cutting up bodies.’
Members of the group claim they were sprayed with ice water, kicked and punched.
Members of the Extenction Rebellion spin-off Animal Rebellion, clashed with traders at the same site exactly one year ago.
In the clip, sirens can be heard wailing in the background and suddenly a man is sent sprawling to the floor of the 800-year-old Farringdon meat market.
A furious fight ensues between the two groups, with punches thrown by both sides.
The person filming is then approached by one of the men in white who tells them to stop filming, as people begin to stream out of the market, shepherded by men in high vis jackets.
The dramatic video appeared on social media a couple of days after the event.
Last October, climate change protesters occupied part of London’s Smithfield Market, as they urged the UK to transition to a vegan diet.
One man was arrested as up to 400 protesters set up camp and filled stalls with ‘food that will make up our future food system’ during the 18-hour protest.
A furious fight ensues between the two groups, with punches thrown by both sides.
Smithfield Market confirmed the incident took place on Friday, October 9, but declined to comment further.
The historic meat market has previously been targeted by Extinction Rebellion protestors.
Last year, Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, occupied the hall and set up fruit and vegetable stalls in protest of the meat industry.
Extinction Rebellion and the Met Police have been contacted for comment.