Violent Clashes in Rotherham: Far-Right Activists Storm Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers

Rotherham, a city in northern England, witnessed intense clashes on Sunday as far-right activists stormed a hotel believed to be housing asylum seekers. Police struggled to contain the situation, with footage showing officers under attack from projectiles outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel near Sheffield.

Rotherham Erupts in Chaos

Protesters later broke into the building, using furniture as weapons and setting a small fire. At least one officer was injured in the confrontation, and windows were smashed.

Nationwide Unrest Following Southport Stabbing

The violence in Rotherham is part of a wave of anti-immigration protests sweeping across British towns and cities. This surge in unrest follows a knife attack in Southport last Monday, which left three young girls dead. The suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, has been charged with multiple offenses. Despite false claims circulating online, police confirmed that Rudakubana was born in Britain.

Police Brace for More Protest

Protests and counter-demonstrations have erupted in various cities, including Middlesborough, Liverpool, Bolton, and Southport. In response, police have issued dispersal orders in several areas to prevent further violence. In Middlesborough, officers used police dogs to control the crowd, while in Liverpool, Manchester, and Hull, far-right rallies led to numerous arrests and violent skirmishes.

Prime Minister Condemns Far-Right Violence

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks on asylum seekers and described the far-right rioters as “thugs” who would “regret” their actions. He emphasized the need for a strong police response to these mobile groups. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also condemned the “criminal, violent attack” on the hotel and promised the “strongest action” against those responsible.

Dozens Arrested During Weekend Riots

Close to 100 people were arrested during far-right rallies in Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull, and Belfast on Saturday. Violent clashes included protesters throwing chairs, flares, and bricks at police officers. In Belfast, fireworks were thrown due to a clash between an anti-Islam group and anti-racism protesters.

Misinformation Fuels Unrest

The riots were sparked by misinformation following the Southport stabbing. False claims spread on social media suggested the suspect was an asylum seeker, further inflaming tensions. The unrest poses a significant challenge for Prime Minister Starmer, who has been in office for less than a month. Authorities believe the English Defence League, an anti-Islam organization, is behind the violence. Anti-racism group Hope Not Hate has identified 30 more such events planned over the weekend.

Community Divisions Intensify

In cities like Leeds and Sunderland, opposing groups have faced off in tense confrontations. Anti-immigration protesters in Leeds chanted, “You’re not English anymore,” while counter-protesters shouted, “Nazi scum off our streets.” Violence in Sunderland saw a police station and an overturned car set on fire. Meanwhile, in London, a pro-Palestinian demonstration proceeded amid nearby counter-protests.