Anti-immigration protesters attacked a hotel housing migrants in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, as unrest entered its fifth day across the United Kingdom, The Telegraph reports. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing demonstrations that have gripped several cities.
According to The Telegraph, videos shared on social media show police retreating under a barrage of objects thrown by protesters outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham. Footage also captured rioters breaking windows and storming the building, with a fire breaking out at one of the entrances.
NOW - "Migrant hotel" besieged and stormed in Rotherham, England.pic.twitter.com/0d6f0fnPoQ
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) August 4, 2024
The crowd, many waving Union Jack and St George's flags and some wearing masks, was heard chanting, "Get them out" and "Yorkshire." Counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism were initially present at the scene but reportedly left the area as tensions escalated. Police vehicles blocked a road, and a line of officers was earlier seen outside the hotel entrance.
In response to the escalating situation, Sarah Champion, the Labour MP for Rotherham, described the ongoing riot at the migrant hotel as "horrendous" in a social media post.
The hotel had previously been the target of an anti-immigration protest in February 2023, resulting in two arrests. The unrest has spread to other parts of the country, with police forces across the UK making over 90 arrests in connection with anti-immigration rioting.
? BREAKING: Rioters have now set fire to the hotel housing illegal migrants in Rotherham https://t.co/JkpY63w33k pic.twitter.com/L3l4xQ9XP9
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 4, 2024
The violence has taken a toll on public infrastructure. In Liverpool, rioters set fire to the Spellow Lane Library Hub in Walton, a recently reopened facility hailed as the 'library of the future.' Liverpool City Council expressed dismay at the damage, stating, "It's such a shame because it's such a community asset. It's really sad." The library, located in one of the UK's most deprived areas, provided education and employment resources for the local community.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson condemned the violence, telling Times Radio, "People need to be aware [that] if they were looting, there will be a knock on their door, they will be brought before the police and the court, and there will be consequences."
However, Dame Johnson dismissed calls to bring in the army, stating, "There is no need to bring in the Army, and there has been no discussion about that. The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment... they have the powers that they need."
As authorities work to contain the unrest, concerns have been raised about the impact on day-to-day policing. Tiffany Lynch from the Police Federation of England and Wales told BBC Breakfast, "We're seeing officers that are being pulled from day-to-day policing to go out there and essentially protect our communities."
