A far-right mob of about 700 people stormed the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on Sunday, attempting to set the building alight as violent anti-immigration protests erupted across the UK. Rioters, many masked and draped in St George and Union flags, hurled bottles, chairs, and pieces of wood at police, and sprayed fire extinguishers at officers.
South Yorkshire police reported at least 10 officers injured, one left unconscious with a head injury from a brick. Footage showed a bin on fire and protesters chanting “Get them out” as they broke into the hotel. A fire was started in a stairwell, but no hotel employees or guests were hurt.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the “utterly appalling” attack, vowing full government support for the strongest action against those responsible. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield described the behaviour as “nothing short of disgusting” and warned that those involved “should expect us to be at their doors very soon.”
Counter-protester Shabnam Shabir said she was traumatised after being surrounded by the mob, who chanted racist slurs. “We have people inside of the hotel who are scared for their lives,” she said. One female rioter was taken to safety with a bleeding head wound, and some parents brought children who threw stones at riot police.
Police closed roads around the hotel and by evening had pushed rioters back. One arrest has been made. Similar violence broke out in Tamworth, where windows of a Holiday Inn were smashed and three petrol bombs thrown.
