Violence erupted as demonstrators attempted to storm hotels housing asylum seekers, resulting in a sixth day of escalating disorder. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the rioters, promising they would “face the full force of the law”. Anti-immigration rioters vandalized the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, causing chaos and injuring at least 10 officers.
Masked men hurled objects and started fires outside the hotels, with similar incidents reported in Tamworth and Middlesbrough. The unrest spread to Bolton, prompting Greater Manchester Police to issue a order requiring people to remove face coverings.
The wave of violence across England and Northern Ireland follows the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport. Calls for military intervention have been made, but ministers have maintained that the police have adequate resources to handle the situation.
Prime Minister Starmer urged those feeling targeted due to their race to know that the violent mob does not represent the country. Former advisor Sara Khan blamed the Conservative government for allowing far-right violence to escalate. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to address the government’s plan to address the ongoing disorder.