Violent thugs broke into a Holiday Inn in Tamworth as a far-right mob targeted the hotel that is understood to be housing asylum seekers, with a fire being started inside
A Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire, became the scene of chaos as a far-right group celebrated while setting fires inside the property amidst violent demonstrations. Dramatic footage captured the moment when yobs smashed their way into the hotel through a window, while onlookers from the far-right crowd cheered as flames took hold within.
Another fire was seen outside the hotel as rioters hurled missiles into the building. Tension escalated at the hotel following the arrival of numerous protestors earlier in the evening, which resulted in clashes with police officers. The officers moved to disperse the demonstrators from the entrance of the hotel.
In the midst of the disorder, at least one police dog was present at the scene as authorities attempted to push the crowd away from the hotel, which is currently accommodating asylum seekers.
Videos shot by the rioters themselves showed projectiles such as bottles and bricks being thrown towards police lines. Despite the use of riot shields, windows were shattered.
Other footage revealed flares being launched and crowd members confronting police. Officers were also heard repeatedly shouting “get back” during the face-off. Another video provided a clearer view of windows that had been shattered at the hotel. The mob did nothing to intervene or confront those who were hurling projectiles.
Graffiti was spotted sprayed on the side reading: “Get out England (sic).” Alarms were also heard ringing either inside or near the Holiday Inn as people yelled nearby.
Tamworth Police, a division of Staffordshire Police, informed The Mirror: “A large number of officers are deployed in the area in specialist public order equipment. We are working to balance the right to peaceful protest, reassuring the local community and protecting the public. Robust action will be taken against those responsible for violence and disorder.”
An unverified image, thought to depict the same hotel, showed several individuals preparing to enter the building. In the video, one man could be heard saying: “We’ve had a f****** nuff haven’t we (sic).”
The Holiday Inn is the second in the hotel chain to be targeted by far-right mobs today. Earlier today, hooligans targeted a Holiday Inn in Rotherham that also housed asylum seekers. Far-right rioters clashed with police outside the building and were seen throwing projectiles at officers.
A fire was ignited outside a ground-floor window and later, protesters managed to break into the building. South Yorkshire Police reported one arrest on suspicion of public order offences in Rotherham.
A group of men inside the hotel expressed their fear for their lives as the mob attempted to break into the building. They shared with The Mirror that despite fleeing from war zones, they had never experienced such terror. It’s estimated that around 235 men have been residing at the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham for as long as seven months.
