Far-Right Rioters Clash with Police in Rotherham as Violence Spreads Across UK
Police in Rotherham, a town in northern England, faced a violent mob of far-right rioters who attempted to storm a hotel housing asylum seekers. Officers equipped with shields struggled to contain the situation as they endured a barrage of projectiles, including pieces of wood, chairs, and fire extinguishers. The rioters, many of whom wore masks, targeted the Holiday Inn Express hotel, where windows were smashed and a small fire broke out in a wheelie bin.
A police helicopter hovered overhead, and at least one officer in riot gear was seen being carried away, indicating the escalating tension on the ground.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, labeling it “far-right thuggery,” as violence erupted in multiple towns and cities across the nation. In a statement from 10 Downing Street on Sunday afternoon, Starmer promised to take decisive action against those responsible for the unrest, emphasizing, “we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice.”
This incident marks the latest wave of rioting in the U.K., following a stabbing incident at a dance class last week in which three girls were killed and several others injured.
Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire, expressed his shock at the violence, stating, “What we’re seeing is not protest; it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” He vowed to pursue those responsible with the full force of the law.
Tension was also high in Middlesbrough, where some protesters broke free from police containment. A group wandered through residential streets, vandalizing homes and vehicles. When questioned by a resident, one rioter responded, “Because we’re English.” Elsewhere, hundreds confronted police at the town’s cenotaph, throwing bricks and other objects at officers.
Protests have erupted throughout the U.K., particularly in England, with counter-protesters also planning to make their presence known. On Saturday, far-right activists clashed with anti-racism demonstrators across various locations, including Belfast, Liverpool, and Bristol. Police reported around 100 arrests, with more expected as they analyze CCTV footage and social media.
The police have indicated that the extensive security measures, involving thousands of officers, might hinder their ability to fully investigate other crimes. “We’re seeing officers pulled from day-to-day policing,” Tiffany Lynch from the Police Federation of England and Wales told the BBC. “Unfortunately, victims of crime in those communities may not receive the attention they need.”
The recent violence was ignited by a stabbing attack in Southport on Monday, which resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old male. False rumors online suggested that the suspect was a Muslim immigrant, which fueled anger among far-right supporters. Although suspects under 18 are typically not named in the U.K., Judge Andrew Menary allowed the identification of Axel Rudakubana, a Welsh-born individual with Rwandan parents, to counter misinformation. Rudakubana faces three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder.
Police reported that many of the violent actions over the weekend were organized online by obscure far-right groups, using phrases like “enough is enough” and “save our kids.” These groups have tapped into concerns about immigration, particularly regarding the significant number of migrants arriving by small boats from France.
Calls for protests have emerged from a wide range of social media accounts, with Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, playing a prominent role in promoting them. Robinson previously led the English Defense League, which police have linked to the violent protests in Southport. The group, which emerged around 2009, has a history of inciting violence against what it calls militant Islam. After being banned from Twitter in 2018, Robinson returned after the platform’s rebranding and has since gained over 800,000 followers.
While the group’s influence has waned over the years, Robinson, 41, has faced numerous legal challenges, including convictions for assault and mortgage fraud. He is currently wanted after leaving the U.K. before a scheduled court hearing.
Nigel Farage, the newly elected leader of Reform U.K., has also faced criticism for indirectly fueling anti-immigration sentiment in recent days. Although he condemned the violence, he accused the government of downplaying the fears shared by many citizens.
Starmer has attributed the violence to “far-right hatred” and has pledged to restore order. He announced that police across the U.K. would receive additional resources to prevent further disturbances.
Policing Minister Diana Johnson stated that there is “no need” to deploy the army to assist police in managing the violence.