A series of violent riots orchestrated by far-right extremists swept across the UK on Sunday, culminating in significant clashes with police and widespread destruction in several cities. The unrest began when a mob of masked rioters attempted to set fire to a hotel in Rotherham that was housing asylum seekers.
The violent actions escalated, as approximately 700 individuals gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express, clashing with police and causing substantial damage.
The rioters, who were reported to have hurled wooden planks, bottles, and chairs at law enforcement, also used fire extinguishers against the police. South Yorkshire police confirmed that at least ten officers were injured, including one who sustained a serious head injury and lost consciousness.
Disturbing footage from the scene revealed a burning bin and rioters, some waving St George and Union flags, chanting inflammatory slogans. Reports emerged that the rioters had breached the hotel, where a fire reportedly broke out, and residents were seen peering from windows in fear.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper strongly condemned the violent attack, calling it "utterly appalling" and stressing that South Yorkshire police had full government support for taking the strongest possible action against those responsible.
The disturbances began in the early afternoon and quickly transformed from a protest into a full-blown riot. The far-right mob, primarily male, smashed windows and ignited a stairwell fire, temporarily overwhelming police efforts to contain the violence.
Shabnam Shabir, a counter-protester, recounted her traumatic experience of being surrounded and kettled by the rioting group. The rioters chanted racist slurs and left her and her group stranded, with hotel occupants reportedly terrified for their safety. Police eventually managed to regain control of the area by evening, with officers pushing the rioters back and making some space around the hotel. Despite the chaos, no hotel employees or guests were reported injured.
The violence was not confined to Rotherham. On the same day, rioters targeted another Holiday Inn in Tamworth, where they smashed windows and threw petrol bombs, setting fires and injuring an officer. The scenes were described as "despicable thuggery" by Staffordshire police, who continued to patrol the area into the night and appealed for information to identify those involved.
Further riots erupted in Middlesbrough, where protesters threw bricks, cans, and burning wheelie bins at police. The unrest led to significant property damage, including vandalism of houses and cars. A total of 43 arrests were reported by early Monday morning, and the situation in Middlesbrough was described as having ended, though a policing presence was maintained.
In response to the widespread violence, Merseyside and Greater Manchester police imposed section 60 orders, granting officers increased stop-and-search powers in Liverpool, Southport, and Bolton. These orders aimed to curb the rioting and prevent further escalation of violence.
The disturbances followed a tragic incident in Southport, where three young girls were killed in a dance class. Misinformation circulated online claiming that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was an asylum seeker, fueling the far-right protests. The riots that ensued were largely driven by false narratives and social media misinformation, resulting in numerous arrests and significant damage across several cities.
Despite the turmoil, local communities demonstrated resilience. Volunteers and council workers worked tirelessly to clean up the aftermath, with residents rallying to support affected areas. In Hull, volunteers joined council crews to clear debris, while Liverpool city council praised the community's spirit in the face of adversity.