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Anti-immigration demonstrators have attacked police and smashed the windows of a Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, as unrest continues to spread across the country.
Violent Clashes
Masked rioters were seen launching lengths of wood and spraying fire extinguishers at police officers outside the hotel. Videos circulating on social media show demonstrators storming into the hotel, with reports of a fire inside. A police helicopter circled overhead, and at least one injured officer in riot gear was carried away as tensions escalated.
Widespread Unrest
The violence in Rotherham is part of a broader wave of unrest that has hit several towns and cities across the UK. Greater Manchester Police have issued a Section 34 dispersal notice covering Bolton until 10 PM on Sunday in anticipation of further protests. Similarly, Merseyside Police have introduced two Section 60 orders granting officers greater stop-and-search powers in Liverpool and Southport. These orders, effective from 2 PM on Sunday, will remain active for 12 hours until 2 AM on Monday.
Official Responses
Inspector Al McKeon commented on the recent violence:
The scenes we saw yesterday in Liverpool and Walton, and on Tuesday in Southport, were despicable. They left dozens of officers requiring hospital treatment and have already led to the arrests of a total of 33 suspects.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his “full backing” to take any necessary action against “extremists” attempting to “sow hate.” Policing Minister Dame Diana stated that the Government has been reassured that police forces have the resources and powers needed to manage the unrest:
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.
Community Response
In Hull, volunteers armed with brushes turned up from 7 AM to assist council crews in reopening streets, demonstrating the community’s resilience and solidarity. Councillor Jack Haines of Hull City Council praised the community’s response:
“Yesterday we saw the worst of Hull but already today we have seen the best.”
Background and Condemnation
The far-right has faced widespread condemnation as the driving force behind the disorder, which erupted following the tragic killings of three young girls in Southport on Monday. False claims online suggested that the suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.
Government Actions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held crisis talks with ministers on Saturday. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood assured colleagues that “the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible.
Continued Violence
Saturday saw violence in towns and cities including Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool, and Belfast, resulting in several police officers being injured.
Call for Witnesses and Information
Police continue to appeal for witnesses and information regarding the incidents. Anyone with information is urged to contact their local police department.
