Source: AP
Anti-immigration protests erupted into violence across northern England on Sunday, marking a significant challenge for new Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government. Demonstrations, triggered by the recent murder of three girls in Southport, turned destructive as protesters vandalized property and clashed with police.
The violence began after misinformation circulated suggesting the suspect in the Southport attack was an immigrant and a radical Islamist. Police have clarified that the suspect, born in Britain to a Christian family, is not an immigrant.
In several cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, protests turned violent on Saturday. Reports indicate that businesses were looted, windows smashed, and police officers injured, leading to numerous arrests. The government has vowed to take stringent measures against those involved in the violence.
On Sunday, the unrest continued with hundreds of protesters targeting hotels used to house asylum seekers. In Rotherham, demonstrators threw bricks at police, damaged hotel windows, and set bins on fire. Similar scenes were reported in Aldershot, with protests also breaking out in Bolton. In response, police have issued dispersal notices and increased their presence to manage the situation.
BREAKING:
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 4, 2024
Rioters are smashing up the Holiday Inn hotel in Rotherham where the government is housing asylum seekers.
The situation is spiralling out of control
pic.twitter.com/i0CiFF6IiT
Counter protests by anti-racist groups were held in Rotherham and Lancaster, with police working to keep the opposing groups separate.
Chief Inspector Natasha Evans of Greater Manchester Police emphasized that an increased police presence would continue to address any further incidents. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper warned that those engaging in criminal activities would face severe penalties.
The weekend’s unrest is reminiscent of the 2011 riots, which followed the police shooting of a Black man in London. Starmer, who took office last month after the Labour Party’s election victory, has attributed the unrest to far-right groups seeking to incite violence rather than genuine protest.
