Fifteen people arrested over violent disorder outside Merseyside hotel housing asylum seekers | UK News

news7f02/11/2023

0 5 minutes read

Fifteen people arrested over violent disorder outside Merseyside hotel housing asylum seekers | UK News

Fifteen people were arrested after “scenes of violence” outside a hotel where asylum seekers were staying in Merseyside.

A protest turned chaotic outside the Suites hotel in Ribbers Lane, Prescot, on Friday night when a police vehicle was set on fire and rockets, including flares, were hurled at officers.

Police said the police car was also hit with a hammer.

Merseyside Police Chief Serena Kennedy said officers were made aware of rumors on social media prior to a protest over an alleged incident earlier this week “when a man made inappropriate strides with a teenage girl”.

She said a man in his 20s was arrested “in another part of the country”, but was later released on advice from the UK Public Prosecution Service (CPS).

The sheriff stressed the investigation was ongoing and warned of the harmful effects of speculation and misinformation that could affect the outcome of investigations and people’s behaviour.

She said there was “no reason” for Friday’s violence and said a disbandment order was in effect for the area, to prevent further trouble.

Police said they were facilitating a peaceful protest and protest, as others appeared “only interested in causing trouble through violence and intimidation, without any thought”. or concern for other members of the public or our officers”.

Police said a total of 13 men and two women, aged between 13 and 54, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Clare Moseley, founder of refugee charity Care4Calais, said she was among 120 people from migrant advocacy groups who came to the scene to react to the protest to show support. for asylum seekers.

Speaking to Sky News, the 52-year-old said: “I’m shocked at the level of violence it has… to see scenes like this in Liverpool breaks my heart.”

She added: “It’s like a war zone.”

Ch Con Kennedy said it condemned those who used the planned protest “to commit violent and despicable acts”.

“They are armed with hammers and fireworks to cause as much trouble as possible, and their actions can result in serious injury to residents and police or worse,” she said.

“Indeed, one of my officers was injured in the line of duty, as were several members of the public, and fortunately no one was injured worse or worse.”

Eyewitness report: More police to stay in area as tensions rise

Outside the Suites hotel fence, an area of black lines marks where protesters set fire to police cars.

Looking out from the window of the hotel emigration. One of them, Ahmed, a teacher who came to the UK from Egypt a month ago, told us in weak English of his shock at what happened last night.

“We hear the UK, safe, welcome,” he said. Asked how he felt when protesters threw rockets outside the hotel, he said: “Fear, sure, scared.”

The road outside the hotel is a dead end and with the parking lot now cordoned off, there are mostly only police and journalists on the street.

Occasionally locals turn up to have a look. Two women shouted at our reporter “tell the whole story”.

They said they were present at the rally and insisted that the protest was peaceful until a group of men arrived later and caused all the trouble. They believe that the men are not locals.

The women said they were protesting because they heard migrants were approaching children in the area. When I asked if they had any proof for their claim, they said it was on social media.

Listening to them was Clare Moseley, who works for refugee charity Care for Calais and was part of a protest rally at the hotel – organized after right-wing groups handed out leaflets during area to the hotel last weekend.

“If people don’t want asylum seekers to stay in hotels then they need to tell the government to process their claim and let them work,” she said.

“If people, including women, who I believe are very misinformed, if they think a crime has been committed then you should call the police. We don’t have a crowd law on our streets. we.”

Police are investigating after it was claimed that a video went viral on social media showing a migrant talking to a 15-year-old girl.

But local MP George Howarth believes the anger here has been fueled by much of the misinformation online.

“There are people out there who are making arguments against asylum in general and they are using the platforms to promote the idea that there is a big problem with asylum seekers meddling,” he said. children or young girls”.

“Police say there’s no evidence that it’s happening on any scale. What reports they’re investigating and people should wait until they’re done.”

A far-right organization recently distributed flyers in the area and posted a video claiming locals are outraged by migrants living in hotels.

Police said additional officers will remain in the area as it is clear that the tension causing the violence has not gone away.

She added: “We understand that prior to this happening last night, there were rumors and misinformation being spread on social media following an incident earlier in the week.

“Detectives are investigating reports of an incident that occurred in Kirkby on Monday, February 6, when a man acted inappropriately with a teenage girl.”

‘Speculation can damage investigation results’

Confirming a man was arrested but later released without further action on CPS advice, Ch Con Kennedy said: “I want to make it clear that this is an ongoing investigation and we urges anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any information that could help us bring the offender to justice, to go ahead.

“Speculation, misinformation, and rumors on social media can really damage investigation results and cause unnecessary fear and consequential behavior, so I will continue to ask everyone to attention to the damage that such actions can cause.

“We understand the concern an incident can cause but I can assure you that the investigation is ongoing and we are doing everything we can to bring the offender to justice.”

‘Embarrassing and horrifying scenes’

house secretary Suella Braverman said she condemned the “appalling mayhem” in Knowsley.

“The alleged behavior of some asylum seekers should never be an excuse for violence and intimidation,” she posted on Twitter.

“Thank you officers @MerseyPolice for keeping everyone safe.”

But shadow house secretary Yvette Cooper responded: “The shameful and horrifying scenes in Knowsley show how far-right groups are using social media to organize and promote violence.

“Everyone should support Merseyside Police in dealing with extremism and violence.

“The Home Secretary was wrong to dismiss far-right threats for political reasons.

“Instead, she should be on high alert against all kinds of extremism.”

news7f02/11/2023

0 5 minutes read