Rioters break into hotel as injured police officer carried away by colleagues

Chairs have been thrown at police and windows smashed as anti-immigration rioters broke into a hotel in Rotherham.

Objects including pieces of wood and chairs have been thrown at the Holiday Inn Hotel and at police officers who are lined up in front of the building.

At least one injured officer in riot gear was carried away by colleagues.

UK protests latest: Masked group smash windows at hotel

Police, including some on horseback, had been trying to separate the crowd from the hotel entrance, but a large group have forced their way through the doors.

The hotel is believed to have been used to house migrants - but it is not clear if any remain living there after the previous Conservative administration vowed to close more than one hundred this year.

Image: A man holds a fire extinguisher in the lobby of the hotel. Pic: PA
A protester uses a fire extinguisher on police officers as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Picture date: Sunday August 4, 2024.
Image: A protester uses a fire extinguisher on police officers as trouble flares during an anti-immigration protest. Pic: PA

After breaking in through a window, the rioters attempted to set the hotel on fire, before blockading the exit with bins. Riot police were able to move them away from the entrance, but the group moved around the side, throwing rocks and debris at the windows.

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Several men then attacked police cars, including with a riot shield, stolen from an officer. Police have now formed a line around the hotel, preventing any of the group from getting inside.

Police given extra powers

It comes as a Section 34 dispersal notice was put in place in Bolton, giving officers extra powers to deal with anyone casing anti-social behaviour.

Officers tend to a wounded colleague inside the Holiday Inn. Pic: PA
Image: Officers tend to a wounded colleague inside the Holiday Inn. Pic: PA

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) put a Section 34 in place in parts of Manchester on Saturday, as did police in Liverpool and Blackpool.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has given police his "full backing" to take any action necessary to respond to "extremists" attempting to "sow hate" after scenes of disorder in England and Northern Ireland this week.

The Holiday Inn was set on fire. Pic: PA
Image: The Holiday Inn was set on fire. Pic: PA

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More than 100 people have been arrested after riots broke out in the wake of the death of three young girls at a dance studio in Southport.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said people involved in the clashes "will pay the price" and that "criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain's streets".