The United Kingdom is grappling with its most severe social unrest in over a decade as rioters targeted hotels housing asylum seekers in northern England on Sunday.
The violence, which appears to have been sparked by the tragic stabbing deaths of three young girls in Southport earlier this week, has raised concerns about rising anti-immigrant sentiment and the spread of misinformation.
Far-right groups have reportedly exploited the situation, propagating unfounded claims about the attacker’s immigrant status, despite police confirmation that the suspect was born in Britain.
The unrest reached a boiling point on Sunday when demonstrators attacked and set fire to two Holiday Inn hotels in Rotherham and Tamworth, both of which had been designated to house asylum seekers.
In Tamworth, local officials reported that protesters injured a police officer, smashed windows, and started fires. The situation in Rotherham was equally dire, with police stating that rioters attempted to breach the premises, attacking officers with fire extinguishers and setting objects ablaze.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield described the scene, saying the hotel was “full of terrified residents and staff.”
The UK’s police minister has promised swift action against the far-right rioters, vowing to “nick them quick,” while ruling out the need for military intervention. This crisis presents a significant challenge for Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which has only recently taken office.
In response to the attacks, the UK Home Office announced enhanced security measures for mosques across the country. Prime Minister Starmer condemned the violence in strong terms, said in his video message on X, “I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.” He warned participants that they would face the full force of the law, emphasizing that arrests, charges, and convictions would follow.
Starmer further stressed that the recent events were not protests but “organized violent thuggery” that has no place in British society.
“Be in no doubt, those who 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,” said the UK PM.
“This is not a protest. It is organised violent thuggery. And it has no place on our streets or online. Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham. Marauding gangs intent on law-breaking. Or worse, windows smashed. Fire set ablaze,” he added.
(Inputs from ANI)