Work begins to ID Holiday Inn petrol bomb rioters
A police operation is under way to identify those responsible for violent disorder outside a hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire, during which petrol bombs and fireworks were thrown at officers.
The rioting broke out on Sunday night after a crowd gathered at a Holiday Inn Express, leaving one officer with a suspected broken arm.
Staffordshire Police has described the attacks as “senseless violence”, adding that “despicable thuggery” was “completely inexcusable”.
Overnight, police patrols have been gathering evidence, with drones and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) covering the area.
The scenes have followed other clashes in UK towns and cities.
Riots and anti-immigration protests emerged in the wake of the fatal stabbing of three children in Southport a week ago – fuelled in part by false claims the suspect was Muslim and a refugee.
Tamworth’s Holiday Inn Express had been used to accommodate asylum seekers, the local MP confirmed recently.
IHG, the owners of the Holiday Inn brand, have said: “The safety and security of our guests and colleagues is always our priority. Any further questions should be directed to the Home Office.”
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said his officers had shown “tremendous courage” and the Tamworth community did not deserve to be subject to the behaviour”.
He said footage from CCTV, air support and body-worn video devices would be used to identify offenders.
“There have already been more than 100 arrests nationally in connection with these acts and I expect those who are identified will meet the full force of the law,” he added.
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