Anti-migrant protesters turn hotel into ‘war zone’
SECURITY was beefed up yesterday after a protest turned into a riot outside a hotel housing asylum seekers.
The site was left “like a war zone” as a police van was set alight and missiles were hurled at officers behind shields.
Anti-immigration groups had headed to the Suites Hotel, in Knowsley, Merseyside, on Friday night and clashed with pro-migrant campaigners. Riot police were deployed and 13 men and two women, aged 13 to 54, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
Police had been made aware of an alleged incident on Tuesday in Kirby, in which “a man made inappropriate advances toward a teenage girl” that led to “misinformation on social media”.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “I condemn the appalling disorder in Knowsley. The alleged behaviour of some asylum seekers is never an excuse for violence and intimidation.
“Thank you to Merseyside Police
‘They were intent on violent behaviour’
officers for keeping everyone safe.”
Yesterday, barriers were in place outside the hotel and security guards were patrolling an entrance.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “A number of individuals were intent on causing violent and despicable behaviour. They turned up armed with hammers and fireworks.”
The hotel has housed asylum seekers since January 2022.
Ahmed, 34, has been there a month after travelling from Egypt. The teacher claimed others staying in the hotel included doctors and engineers: “I was afraid.we came to the UK for safety.”
Clare Moseley, of refugee charity Care4calais, took part in the counterprotest. She said: “I can only imagine how frightened those poor men in that hotel were. It was like a war zone.”
Protesters clashed outside London’s Tate Britain yesterday, which had been hosting a drag queen story-telling event.