Sir Keir Starmer has told far right thugs that they “will regret” their actions, as mobs set fire to hotels housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth.
Addressing the nation following days of chaos across England, the prime minister said: “The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow.
“I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves.
“This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online.”
It comes as masked rioters assembled outside Holiday Inn hotels in both Rotherham and Tamworth and clashed with police. Thugs in both places smashed windows as they attempted to gain entry to the hotels before setting fires.
At least 147 people were arrested after riots rocked major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and Stoke on Saturday, leaving destruction in their wake.
Have you been affected by this? Email athena.stavrou@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Rioters warned ‘your time will come’ as 147 arrested
- Second hotel targeted in Tamworth
- Starmer says far-right will ‘regret’ violent riots
- Far-right mob gather set fire to Rotherham hotel
Watch: Supermarket manager surveys destroyed store after riots and fires in Belfast
03:41
Maroosha Muzaffar
Riots a result of ‘years of divisive politics, demonisation and dehumanisation’
03:00
Athena Stavrou
Natasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at Freedom from Torture, said: “It’s horrific to see the scenes of violence in Rotherham and across the country targeting refugees and other minority communities.
“Make no mistake, this is no accident. This is the result of years of divisive politics, demonisation and dehumanisation.
“Images of people attacking and setting fires to hotels housing refugees – men, women and children who’ve fled unimaginable violence like torture – are a stark and chilling reminder that hateful rhetoric inspires hateful acts.
“The Prime Minister is right to condemn these attacks. No-one should feel unsafe in Britain and refugees must never be singled out as targets for far-right violence and intimidation.
“Those seeking sanctuary must be housed in safe and dignified housing, where they can recover and rebuild their lives in peace.”
Tommy Robinson stokes far-right riots on social media from outside UK
02:00
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:
Tommy Robinson has been accused of stoking far-right riots following the Southport knife attack from afar after he left the UK last week.
“There is no doubt that Tommy Robinson’s social media is playing a really important role in these far-right demos,” a spokesperson for Hope Not Hate told The Independent.
“Tommy Robinson’s reach has grown since his X account was reinstated last year. His last two demos in London have attracted tens of thousands of people and his X following is now over 800,000 people, meaning he once again has an enormous reach online.
“After Monday’s horrific attack, Tommy Robinson was regularly tweeting calling Islam a mental health issue, sharing videos of disorder and encouraging to join future demonstrations. One said: ’get there and show your support. People need to rise up.’
“We know that he was influential in Tuesday’s disturbance in Southport, rioters were chanting Tommy Robinson’s name and “Who the f*** is Allah?” - these are chants regularly heard at far-right demonstrations.”
Courts will sit for 24 hours in bid to stamp out far-right violence
01:00
Athena Stavrou
Courts will reportedly sit for 24-hours a day in the wake of far-right violence sweeping across the country.
Ministers met with senior members of the judiciary for emergency talks on Saturday as the far-right continue to clash with police major UK cities and towns.
Officials at the Ministry of Justice are now understood to be in discussions with the judiciary, police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), about magistrates’ courts sitting for 24 hours to deal with a surge of arrests, The Telegraph reported.
Solihull Police respond to ‘large gathering'
Sunday 4 August 2024 23:59
Athena Stavrou
Police officers in the West Midlands town of Solihull are responding to calls about “a large gathering”.
The force wrote on X: “We’re in Hermitage Road after receiving a number of calls about a large gathering. We’re there making sure everyone stays safe until the numbers disperse.
“There was a separate gathering in Solihull town centre earlier this evening. This passed off without any incident.
Watch: Fire breaks out and arrests made during clashes between far-right and police in Rotherham
Sunday 4 August 2024 23:10
Athena Stavrou
Rioters cheer as Tamworth hotel set on fire
Sunday 4 August 2024 22:36
Athena Stavrou
Shocking footage has shown far-right rioters cheering as they set fire to a Holiday Inn housing refugees in Tamworth.
It is the second hotel that has been targeted by violent mobs today alone. Tamworth Police have urged the public to avoid the area.
NEW: Rioters cheer as they set fire to a Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth that is housing asylum seekers
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 4, 2024
It is the second hotel to be set on fire today pic.twitter.com/9yifWqo87Z
Police officer injured outside Tamworth hotel
Sunday 4 August 2024 22:06
Athena Stavrou
A police officer has been injured outside a hotel in Tamworth as officers continue to deal with “violent acts of thuggery”, Staffordshire Police said.
A large group of individuals is in the area with people throwing projectiles, smashing windows, starting fires and targeting police.
“We’re urging members of the public to avoid the area around the Holiday Inn, Tamworth, as specialist officers continue to deal with violent acts of thuggery,” the force said.
“Officers are working valiantly to keep the public safe. Specialist drone surveillance and the national police air service have been sweeping the area as our efforts to identify those involved continue.”
Police urge public to avoid Tamworth Holiday Inn
Sunday 4 August 2024 21:51
Athena Stavrou
Tamworth Police have urged members of the public to avoid the Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth as footage appears to show far-right thugs setting fire to the building.
The force wrote on X: “We’re urging members of the public to avoid the area around the Holiday Inn, Tamworth, as specialist officers continue to deal with violent acts of thuggery.”
Tamworth MP called to end use of Holiday Inn hotels for asylum seekers days ago
Sunday 4 August 2024 21:42
Athena Stavrou
The MP for Tamworth called to end the use of Holiday Inn hotels to house asylum seekers just days before a far-right mob targeted it.
Footage circulated on social media on Saturday showed a crowd clashing with riot police outside a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth - the second hotel targeted in today’s riots.
Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth and Villages, told the House of Commons days ago that “residents of Tamworth want their hotel back” as she called for the government to “end the use of the Holiday Inn for asylum purposes”.
This is not the first time I have raised in the chamber that residents of Tamworth want their hotel back. I will work closely with the new Government and Home Secretary to end the use of the Holiday Inn for asylum purposes. pic.twitter.com/BxELsOw82U
— Sarah Edwards for Tamworth (@SarahEdwardsTam) July 30, 2024
Watch: Fire breaks out and arrests made during clashes between far-right and police in Rotherham
Sunday 4 August 2024 21:26
Athena Stavrou
Another migrant hotel targeted in Tamworth
Sunday 4 August 2024 21:26
Athena Stavrou
Another Holiday Inn hotel is being targeted by far-right mobsters in Tamworth, near Birmingham.
Footage shared online showed a mob clashing with police as they attempted to gain entry to the building which is being used to house asylum-seekers.
Another horrifying video shows the mob gaining entry to the building through a side door before starting a fire.
In a statement, Tamworth Police said it was “aware and responding proactively to protest activity in Tamworth today”, adding that officers had been deployed “in specialist public order equipment”.
It added: “Robust action will be taken against those responsible for violence and disorder. Updates will be provided on this page.
Sunday 4 August 2024 21:00
Athena Stavrou
A Black man beaten by a mob, an Asian man stabbed at a train station and mosques under siege - just some of the horrifying racist incidents carried out by far-right thugs in England this week.
The country has been engulfed by racist riots over the past few days, in the wake of the killings of three young girls in Southport on Monday. Protests in cities including Liverpool, Leeds and Belfast descended into chaos over the weekend, with far right thugs clashing with riot police and multiple incidents of ethnic minorities attacked on the streets.
Sparked by Islamophobic and racist sentiments, rioters have pelted bricks, chairs and bottles at officers, mosques have been attacked, shops looted and numerous community facilities across the country, including a library and Citizens Advice Bureau building, have been torched in the violence.
Below we look at just some of the violent incidents faced by ethnic minorities in Britain this week, as the prime minister issued a stark warning to the perpetrators.
The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:
Full report: Starmer warns far right thugs ‘will regret’ taking part in riots
Sunday 4 August 2024 20:40
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer issued a stark warning to racist far-right thugs rioting in British towns and cities with a “guarantee” they will face swift justice and “the full force of the law”.
In an uncompromising statement to the nation, the prime minister told those behind the appalling scenes in Hull, Halifax, Liverpool, London, Southport and Rotherham: “I guarantee, you will regret it”. More than 100 people have been arrested following the violent disturbances on Saturday.
The prime minister’s powerful statement came as a mob stormed a hotelfull of asylum seekers waiting for their applications to be heard in Rotherham and set fire to it knowing people were inside.
Pictured: Rioters throw wooden fence at police
Sunday 4 August 2024 20:20
Athena Stavrou
Map of far-right riots
Sunday 4 August 2024 19:48
Athena Stavrou
Masked man in Rotherham makes ‘cut throat’ gesture to migrant in hotel
Sunday 4 August 2024 19:26
Athena Stavrou
Far-right rioters made threatening ‘cut-throat’ gestures to migrants being housed in a Rotherham hotel.
A video sent to a journalist, reportedly sent by a migrant in the hotel, showed several people shouting abuse at the migrant with one masked man drawing his hand across his throat.
Exc: video taken by a migrant in the Rotherham hotel showing a masked man drawing his hand across his throat.
— Tom Witherow (@TomWitherow) August 4, 2024
Migrants said they were “scared” as ten thugs marauded through the Rotherham hotel. pic.twitter.com/yulu7t7fU4
Pictures from riots today
Sunday 4 August 2024 19:13
Athena Stavrou
Ten police officers injured in Rotherham
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:49
Athena Stavrou
Ten police officers injured and one arrested on suspicion of public order offences in Rotherham, South Yorkshire Police said.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said: “Today in Rotherham we have seen our officers attacked and at least 10 injured, significant damage caused and a fire set outside a hotel full of terrified residents and staff.
“The mindless actions of those today have achieved nothing other than sheer destruction and leaving members of the public and the wider community in fear.
“The behaviour we witnessed has been nothing short of disgusting. While it was a smaller number of those in attendance who chose to commit violence and destruction, those who simply stood on and watched remain absolutely complicit in this.
“Those who choose to spread misinformation and hate online also need to take responsibility for the scenes today – this was not a protest, just angry people, reacting to a false narrative who have their own motivations for doing so.
“All today has achieved is the diversion of police and partner resources, operational police officers who will now be away from active duty while they recover from their injuries, and the continued use of public money to clean up the mess they have left behind.
“Please be assured, our work does not end today – we have officers working hard, reviewing the considerable online imagery and footage of those involved, and they should expect us to be at their doors very soon.”
300 people gather to protect Middlesbrough mosque
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:38
Athena Stavrou
About 300 people gathered in front of a mosque in Waterloo Road in Middlesbrough to guard it while police blocked off nearby streets.
One resident told the PA news agency: “We’re going to be paying for this, and for what?
“This has got nothing to do with three little girls that have lost their lives. They’ve used it to cause utter mayhem on our streets.”
A person was seen being stretchered into an ambulance after an incident at the Swatters Carr pub.
Stand Up to Racism launch fundraiser
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:36
Athena Stavrou
Stand Up to Racism has launched a fundraiser to support efforts against far-right riots across the UK.
The GoFundMe will be used to help the activist group “organise more protests, hold more events, and produce more materials to fight racism and foster unity.”
The fundraiser reads: “In the last week we have seen far right riots take place across Britain. These have included racist attacks, violence and Islamophobia. These alarming incidents highlight the urgent need for action against hate and division.”
You can donate here.
Calls for army to be called in
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:29
Athena Stavrou
Humza Yousaf has called for the army to be called in to stop “thugs” causing disorder on the streets.
“It doesn’t look like, to me, the police have a handle on the situation,” the former first minister of Scotland said.
“The police have not been able to protect those that are in the Holiday Inn,” he added.
“The army can help to get control where the police are unable.”
Hundreds face off in Weymouth
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:18
Athena Stavrou
Around 400 members of the far-right and anti-fascist are facing off in Weymouth, BBC reports.
The broadcaster said the two groups had gathered on the seafront and are chanting at each other as officers moved people off the beach.
They added that people opposing sides are gradually getting closer to each other.
Extra lawyers deployed to bring swift justice
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:12
Athena Stavrou
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “The acts of violence seen across the country this weekend have involved criminality of the most serious kind. I want there to be no doubt about our determination to ensure that those involved will face severe consequences.
“This weekend, we deployed extra lawyers and will continue to work around the clock in the coming days to make sure that law and order is maintained, and justice is served.
“I have directed prosecutors to make immediate charging decisions where key evidence is in place and they are doing so.
“I am determined that we will act swiftly and robustly, giving the courts maximum ability to pass sentences that reflect what has occurred.”
Second man charged in Liverpool
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:09
Athena Stavrou
A second man has been charged with committing violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.Officers witnessed a group throwing stones, bricks and missiles at officers in the Paradise Street area.A row of officers moved to take one of the suspects to the ground and detain him.Jimmy Bailey, 45 years, of Station Avenue, Ellesmere Port has been charged with violent disorder.He has been remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court at 9.45am on Monday 5 August.
147 arrested since last night as rioters warned ‘your time will come'
Sunday 4 August 2024 18:04
Athena Stavrou
There have been 147 arrests across the country since Saturday night, BJ Harrington of the National Police Chiefs’ Council said.
He added that more is expected in the coming days as he blamed disinformation for driving the “appalling violence”.
He also had a warning for those involved in the unrest:
He added: “Intelligence teams, detectives and neighbourhood officers are working round the clock to identify and apprehend those involved and make no mistake, if you haven’t had a knock on the door yet, your time will come.”
Attack on Rotherham Hotel leaves campaigners ‘lost for words’
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:53
Athena Stavrou
The sight of demonstrators attacking a hotel in the belief it is housing migrants is “almost incomprehensible”, the managing director of the Hope not Hate advocacy group has said.
Nick Lowles said he was “lost for words” to describe the scenes at a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham.
“The fact that hundreds of people have targeted a hotel that is housing migrants, it is almost incomprehensible,” he told Sky News.
“They knew that people were in that hotel and they consciously tried to set fire to it.
“Communities are so scared, we have to rebuild.”
Mr Lowles said agitators have been over-simplifying stories to whip up hate.
Nine arrests in Middlesbrough so far
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:45
Athena Stavrou
Cleveland Police said officers have made nine arrests so far relating to violent disorder offences in Middlesbrough.
The force said the main areas affected are Parliament Road, Waterloo Road, and the area around the university.
Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: “We are urging members of the public to stay away from Middlesbrough while officers respond to violent disorder in the town.
“We have a high policing presence responding to the disorder, and the priority remains to protect people and communities.
“We will continue to make arrests and deal robustly with anyone shown to be intent on committing violence and causing harm.”
Belfast rioters to be ‘quickly brought before the courts'
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:41
Athena Stavrou
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said those involved in violence on the streets of Belfast should be “quickly brought before the courts”.
In a joint statement, Ms O’Neill and Ms Little-Pengelly said: “Whilst people are entitled to peaceful protest, there is no justification for racism or the violence and intimidation that occurred on Saturday.
“Those involved should be quickly brought before the courts and we appeal to anyone with information to provide that information to the PSNI.
“We reiterate our joint commitment to a shared, peaceful and inclusive society.”
Watch: Keir Starmer addresses far-right violence after mob attacks Rotherham hotel
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:34
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer said he could “guarantee” rioters will “regret taking part in this disorder” in a statement after widespread rioting from far-right mobs in cities such as Rotherham, Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool over the weekend.
The prime minister’s statement on Sunday came after escalating violence spread across the UK following the deaths of three children in a stabbing attack in Southport on Monday.
Far-right groups have drawn widespread condemnation as the organising force behind disorder in multiple locations in the wake of the killings.
It followed the spread of false claims online that the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana from Lancashire, was an asylum seeker who had arrived in the UK by boat.
Holly Patrick reports:
Watch: Car set alight after scuffles between police and protesters in Middlesbrough
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:24
Athena Stavrou
Greater Manchester Police given extra powers
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:18
Athena Stavrou
Greater Manchester Police said extra powers have now been given to police after Section 60 and Section 60AA were authorised across Bolton until 10pm, following an early Section 34 dispersal notice.
A force statement said: “Under a Section 60, officers have extra powers to stop and search people in defined areas within a specific timeframe.
“A Section 60AA authority allows us to require people to remove face coverings used to disguise or conceal their appearance.
“These temporary powers will be enforced until 10pm today (Sunday August 4 2024) and have been authorised as part of our policing response to keep communities safe and prevent harm and disorder with increased protest activity.”
Starmer refers to 2011 riots as he vows swift justice
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:09
Athena Stavrou
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned anyone who is taking part in the violence: “You will regret it.”
He told reporters: “I think there needs to be the full force of the law and it needs to be swift.
“What happened in 2011 was that we were able to see individuals who took part in violence arrested, charged, remanded and convicted very swiftly.
“Standing arrangements are in place for that and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that the message is absolutely clear – that if you are taking part in this violence you will regret it and you will be brought to justice as quickly as possible.”
Mosques offered greater protection
Sunday 4 August 2024 17:02
Athena Stavrou
Mosques are being offered greater protection with new emergency security, the Home Office has said.
Under the new process now in place, the police, local authorities and mosques can ask for rapid security to be deployed,
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.
“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.
“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”
Car set alight in Middlesbrough
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:58
Athena Stavrou
Crowds at Middlesbrough’s Cenotaph had largely dispersed by 4.30pm, but a car was set on fire in Parliament Road, a short distance away.
PM to do ‘whatever it takes’ to bring far-right to justice
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:56
Athena Stavrou
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to “do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible” amid the violence which has spread since the Southport killings.
He told reporters that time has been spent over recent days working with police and the justice system to “make sure that the necessary arrangements for law enforcement are in place”.
It means the system can get “arrests, charge, remand and custody and conviction done very quickly”.
Noting that he was part of that system when he was director of public prosecutions, he added: “I am determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible.”
Merseyside police authorise greater powers for police officers
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:55
Jabed Ahmed
Merseyside Police have introduced two section 60 orders giving officers greater stop-and-search powers covering Liverpool and Southport.
The orders were put in place at 2pm on Sunday and will stay active for a 12-hour period until 2am on Monday.
The orders cover areas across Liverpool and Southport and are designed to prevent serious violence.
Inspector Al McKeon said: “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.
“These orders will give officers on the ground the ability to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality. The ultimate aim of this tool is to prevent violence and disorder and keep the public safe.
“People across the areas covered will see targeted and highly visible police patrols over the next 12 hours. I hope their continued presence is reassuring for all of our communities, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to those officers.”
Starmer warns rioters - ‘I guarantee you will regret taking part in this’
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:47
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer said those participating in violence, including those “whipping up this action online”, would “regret” it.
Addressing the nation following days of disorder across England, the Prime Minister said: “Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.
“The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow.
“I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves.
“This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online.”
Faith leaders call on communities to ‘remain calm and peaceful’
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:45
Jabed Ahmed
Faith leaders across Merseyside have called on communities to “remain calm and peaceful” in the aftermath of the Southport killings which some people “have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate”.
The call was made in a joint statement signed by the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool, plus the Rt Revd Thomas Neylon, Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool and Dr Badr Abdullah, chairman of Liverpool Muslim Society.
Ibrahim Syed of the Liverpool Region Mosque Network, Merseyside Jewish Representative Council president Barry Levene, Hardev Singh Sohal of the Liverpool Sikh Community and Dr Shiv Pande of the Liverpool Hindu Community also signed the statement.
It said this should be a time of “quiet reflection and remembrance” following the killing of the three girls in Southport but “since Monday, too many people have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate.”
It added: “Division can destroy the very relationships and environment that we depend upon every day of our lives and there is no place for hate in our communities.
“It can – and has – left communities in fear and has put people in danger.
“At this difficult time, let us remember that there is far more that unites than divides us.”
Rioters will regret taking part in violence - PM
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:40
Athena Stavrou
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he could “guarantee” rioters will “regret taking part in this disorder” as he condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and branded the action “far-right thuggery”.
When asked whether tougher sentences would be handed out to those taking part in the violence, as was done after the 2011 riots, he said: “I think there needs to be the full force of the law.”
Rioters are far-right, Starmer says
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:39
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has firmly labelled rioters across the country as far right.
He said: “If you target people because of the colour of their skin and their faith then that is far-right and I am prepared to say that.”
Starmer addresses country
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:37
Sam Rkaina
Sir Keir Starmer is addressing the country now as he vows to crack down on far-right criminals and urged “all right-minded people” to condemn “this type of violence.”
Pictured: Wheelie bin thrown at police officer in Middlesborough
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:35
Jabed Ahmed
Home secretary says South Yorkshire police have government support for ‘strongest action’ against rioters
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:33
Jabed Ahmed
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has said the “criminal, violent attack” on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is “utterly appalling” as she backed police to take “the strongest action against those responsible”.
In a statement posted on X, Ms Cooper said: “The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside.
“South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible.”
Tory PCC puts deleted statement on far-right riots which drew support from Tommy Robinson back on her website
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:25
Jabed Ahmed
‘What we’re seeing is not protest’: South Yorkshire Mayor responds to Rotherham riots
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:18
Athena Stavrou
In response to Sunday’s incident in Rotherham, South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I am utterly appalled by the violence we’re seeing in Rotherham today.
“What we’re seeing is not protest, it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“The people carrying out these attacks do not represent the beautiful, brilliant place and people I know.
“We will come after those carrying out this violence with the full force of the law.”
Arrests made as riots continue in Middlesborough
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:16
Athena Stavrou
Cleveland Police said “a number of arrests” have been made since the far-right gathered in Middlesbrough at around 2pm.
“A number of arrests have been made. The public is asked to avoid the area,” a statement on social media said.
Hundreds squared up to police with shields at Middlesbrough’s Cenotaph, throwing bricks, cans and pots at officers.
One shouted at them: “It’s our f****** country.”
Another group of walked through a residential area smashing the windows of houses and cars, with one person throwing a piece of broken glass through the window of a home.
Another of the group used a racial slur while shouting which car “are we going to smash next?” Another replied “because we’re English” when asked by a resident why they were breaking windows.
A scuffle broke out between protesters and a small group of people whose cars were smashed.
A woman shouted “you fascist thugs” while a man who was with her shouted at police: “You’re letting them rampage through the city.”
Far-right rioters loot shops and set fire to library and food bank in shameless day of disorder
Sunday 4 August 2024 16:00
Jabed Ahmed
James Clevery hits out at Rotherham attack
Sunday 4 August 2024 15:47
Alexander Butler
Shadow home secretary James Cleverly hit out at the scenes in Rotherham, saying: “There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behavior like this.
“This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law.”
There is not and can never be any excuse, justification or rationale for behavior like this.
— James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) August 4, 2024
This should be condemned by everybody, and those taking part should expect to be met with the full weight of the law. https://t.co/rCMYb9JgZR
Watch: Far-right chant 'Yorkshire' as mob breaks into migrant hotel in Rotherham
Sunday 4 August 2024 15:33
Alexander Butler
Hundreds march through Middlesbrough
Sunday 4 August 2024 15:26
Alexander Butler
More than 300 protesters started marching through Middlesbrough at 4.25pm after gathering at the city’s Cenotaph.
They carried a banner saying: “Tom Jones is Welsh, Axel Rudakubana isn’t” and chanted “We want our country back” as they made their way through the city centre.
At one point police used dogs to keep the group back and stop them breaking through and running ahead of the officers patrolling the march.
At least two people were taken away in handcuffs within the first half hour, while several pieces of slate were thrown, along with vapes and full plastic bottles.
Some people kicked bollards into the road so that police vehicles driving ahead of the group could not get through, and one man sat on the bonnet of a police car to stop it from moving.
Rotherham MP denounces far-right criminals
Sunday 4 August 2024 15:15
Athena Stavrou
Rotherham’s Labour MP has denounced the far -right criminals attacking a hotel believed to be housing asylum-seekers.
Sarah Champion said: “I’m extremely concern at the escalating violence we are seeing at Holiday Inn, Manvers.
“The people causing damage and attacking police do not represent our town and I am disgusted by their actions. This is criminal disorder and intimidation - not protest.”
I’m extremely concern at the escalating violence we are seeing at Holiday Inn, Manvers. The people causing damage and attacking police do not represent our town and I am disgusted by their actions. This is criminal disorder and intimidation - not protest. https://t.co/r9DsOzLjXO
— Sarah Champion (@SarahChampionMP) August 4, 2024
Pictured: Migrants watch on from hotel window
Sunday 4 August 2024 15:13
Alexander Butler
Labour MP for Rotherham reacts to chaos out Holiday Inn Express
Sunday 4 August 2024 15:01
Jabed Ahmed
Labour MP for Rotherham Sarah Champion has reacted to rioters causing chaos outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers.
“This is horrendous,” she wrote on X.
Rotherham rioters attempting to turn over police van
Sunday 4 August 2024 14:57
Jabed Ahmed
Demonstrators in Rotherham appear to be attempting to turn over a police van.
Footage shared on social media shows multiple masked men surrounding the police van as officers attempt to stop them.
Pictured: Police under siege at Rotherham hotel
Sunday 4 August 2024 14:55
Alexander Butler
Pictured: Mob attack and set fire to Holiday Inn
Sunday 4 August 2024 14:47
Alexander Butler
