15 arrested following protest outside UK hotel housing asylum-seekers – National | 24CA News
An anti-migration protest outdoors a resort housing asylum-seekers in northwest England turned violent and resulted within the arrests of 15 folks, native police stated Saturday.
The Merseyside Police division stated a police officer and two civilians sustained minor accidents throughout the disturbance on Friday night time in Knowsley, a village situated 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles) from town of Liverpool.
The police drive stated some protesters threw objects and set a police van on hearth. The folks arrested, who ranged in age from 13 to 54, had been detained “following violent disorder.”
“A number of individuals who turned up at the Suites Hotel last night were intent on using a planned protest to carry out violent and despicable behavior,” Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy stated. “They turned up armed with hammers and fireworks to cause as much trouble as they could, and their actions could have resulted in members of the public and police officers being seriously injured, or worse.”
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Speculation on social media a couple of man accused of constructing inappropriate advances towards a teenage woman in a close-by city might need triggered the demonstration outdoors the resort, Kennedy stated. The man in his 20s was arrested elsewhere in England on Thursday “on suspicion of a public order offense” however later launched on the recommendation of kid protecting companies, she stated.
George Howarth, who represents Knowsley within the U.Okay. Parliament, stated the violence on Friday night time didn’t replicate the group.
“The people of Knowsley are not bigots and are welcoming to people escaping from some of the most dangerous places in the world in search of a place of safety,” he stated. “Those demonstrating against refugees at this protest tonight do not represent this community.”
Britain takes in fewer asylum-seekers than another European nations, together with France and Germany, however has seen a pointy improve within the variety of folks making an attempt to succeed in the U.Okay. throughout the English Channel in dinghies and different small boats.
More than 45,000 folks reached Britain by that route in 2022, and most utilized for asylum. The system for contemplating asylum functions has slowed to a crawl due to political turmoil and bureaucratic delays, leaving many migrants caught in accommodations or different short-term lodging.
The Channel crossings have turn out to be a sizzling political challenge, with the Conservative authorities promising to “stop the boats.” Opponents accuse the federal government of demonizing determined folks fleeing conflict and poverty.
In October, a person firebombed a processing heart for brand spanking new arrivals within the Channel port of Dover. Police stated he was motivated by far-right ideology. He killed himself after the assault.
© 2023 The Associated Press
