- Anti-immigration protesters attacked hotels housing asylum seekers
- At least ten police officers were injured in the violence
- Prime Minister condemned the unrest as “far-right thuggery”
Police, including some on horseback, attempted to separate the crowd from the hotel entrance, but a sizable group forced their way inside by destroying an adjacent glass door.
Masked anti-immigration protesters threw chairs at police and shattered windows as they burst into a hotel sheltering asylum seekers in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Objects such as rocks and large pieces of wood were hurled at the Holiday Inn Express and the police officers who stood in front of the hotel to protect it.
In violent scenes, at least ten officers were hurt, including one who was knocked unconscious, as the prime minister swore rioters would “regret” indulging in “far-right thuggery”.
Comrades carried away at least one injured police wearing riot gear.
Hotel staff and residents were “terrified,” but no injuries were recorded.
Unrest in Tamworth, Rotherham
Later, officials reported that a large number of people threw missiles, shattered windows, lit fires, and targeted police in the vicinity of another Holiday Inn in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
The motel also hosts asylum seekers.
Members of the public were advised to avoid the area, and one officer was hurt.
In Rotherham, police, including some on horseback, attempted to separate the crowd from the hotel entrance, but a considerable group forced their way inside by destroying an adjacent glass door.
After breaking in, the rioters attempted to set fire to the hotel before blocking the exit with bins. Riot police were able to drive them away from the door, but the gang continued around the side, throwing rocks and debris at the windows.
Masked men also used fire extinguishers on officers.
Several males attacked police cars, using a riot shield stolen from an officer. Police established a queue around the hotel, preventing any of the group from entering.
Officers in riot gear have been attempting to disperse an enormous crowd assembled outside the building, but they have been attacked by people throwing stones and heavy pieces of wood.
One individual was arrested on suspicion of public order violations. Police are still dispersing the group from the area.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield of South Yorkshire Police said: “Today in Rotherham, we saw our officers attacked and at least ten injured, significant damage inflicted, and a fire started outside a hotel full of panicked residents and workers.
Today’s senseless acts have resulted in nothing but destruction and anxiety among members of the public and the larger community.
Prime Minister condemns ‘utterly awful’ violence.
Addressing the nation, Sir Keir Starmer stated that individuals involved in the disruption today and in previous days in areas of England and Northern Ireland will “regret” it and “face the full force of the law.
The prime minister slammed the unrest as far-right thuggery, saying: “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or through those who incite this activity online and then flee themselves.
“This is not a protest; it is organised, violent thuggery, and it has no place on our streets or online.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the planned torching of a hotel with people known to be inside as “utterly appalling,” adding South Yorkshire Police had government support to take “the strongest action.
Violence in Middlesbrough
In Middlesbrough, protestors broke windows and threw objects at police officers.
They also pushed flaming wheelie bins towards officers, leaving the road littered with blazing trash.
Cleveland Police said 35 arrests have been made thus far.
More than 300 people marched through the town earlier, carrying a banner that read: “Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana [Southport stabbing suspect] isn’t,” and screaming “We want our country back.”
On Saturday, there was additional violence in towns and cities like Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast, resulting in the injuries of several police officers.
Police granted further authority.
On Sunday, a Section 34 dispersion notice was issued in Bolton, providing cops further powers to deal with anyone causing anti-social behaviour.
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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) implemented Section 34 in parts of Manchester on Saturday, as did police in Liverpool, Southport, and Blackpool.
Sir Keir has offered police his “full backing” to take whatever action is necessary to respond to “extremists” aiming to “sow hate” following this week’s disturbances in England and Northern Ireland.
He stated: “The cops will make arrests. Individuals will be remanded, charged, and convicted.”
More than 100 people have been arrested after riots erupted following the deaths of three young girls at a dance studio in Southport.
The Home Office has stated that mosques will be given more protection through new “emergency security” that can be quickly deployed to respond to violent unrest.
