Far-Right Riots Target Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers Amid Nationwide Anti-Immigration Protests
A far-right mob of masked rioters launched a violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, leading to widespread unrest and clashes with police across the UK. Approximately 700 protesters gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express, hurling debris, including wood, bottles, and chairs, and using fire extinguishers against law enforcement.
South Yorkshire police reported that at least ten officers were injured during the chaos, with one officer suffering a head injury that left them unconscious. Footage from the scene depicted a burning bin and protesters, some adorned in St George and Union flags, chanting “Get them out.” Reports emerged of a fire inside the hotel and people seen looking out from the windows.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the attack as “utterly appalling,” emphasizing that deliberately setting fire to a building with people inside is a criminal act. She affirmed that South Yorkshire police have full government support for taking decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
The protests began around noon and quickly escalated into a riot, with far-right individuals smashing windows and setting a stairwell alight. Shabnam Shabir, a counter-protester, described the experience as traumatic, noting that her group was surrounded by the mob, who chanted racist slurs and blocked her escape.
Police established roadblocks around the hotel, situated at a major roundabout. By 5 p.m., they had cleared the area and pushed the rioters back. One officer was hospitalized due to a head injury from a thrown brick, with one South Yorkshire police officer calling it the worst riot he has ever attended.
A female rioter, injured and crying, was taken to safety behind police lines. Some parents, who brought their children, were seen throwing stones at riot police. A woman alleged that she saw asylum seekers with machetes and disrespecting the British flag, although no other witnesses confirmed this claim.
Protesters intermittently chanted slogans like “Tommy Robinson,” “Yorkshire,” and “We want our country back,” and fired fireworks near mounted police. Two police helicopters were deployed, and officers anticipated a prolonged night of unrest.
By 6 p.m., South Yorkshire police confirmed that no hotel employees or guests had been harmed and that they had regained control of the hotel. One arrest had been made at that time.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield criticized the violence as “disgusting” and stressed that those spreading misinformation online should also be held accountable. She highlighted the impact on police resources and public funds due to the violent protests.
Protests also occurred in Bolton, Lancaster, Weymouth, and Middlesbrough, where rioters threw bricks and burning wheelie bins at police, causing significant property damage. Cleveland police reported multiple arrests, while Merseyside and Greater Manchester police implemented stop-and-search orders to manage the situation.
The unrest followed false claims about the suspect in the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. Axel Rudakubana, 17, is accused of the attack, but misinformation about him being an asylum seeker ignited further far-right protests.
In response, communities have rallied to clean up and rebuild. Volunteers, council workers, and local officials are working to restore order and support affected individuals. Faith leaders across Merseyside have called for calm and unity, praising the community spirit in overcoming adversity. They urged a focus on peace and justice and support for those affected by the violence and recent events.