Police respond to protests in Tamworth as crowds gather around a Holiday Inn hotel
Rioters have been filmed outside a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Footage shared on social media has captured ugly scenes with crowds gathered outside the building where smoke can be seen among the crowds.
A police officer was injured as Staffordshire Police responded to the incident as they deployed specialist equipment while supported by neighbouring forces with rioters filmed swarming around officers.
Rioters are now at a DIFFERENT Holiday Inn Express, this time in Tamworth.
— Alex Tiffin (@RespectIsVital) August 4, 2024
Bottle and other projectiles have started to be launched at police. pic.twitter.com/sJaSM1csnW
Three petrol bombs were hurled at officers as fireworks and damage was caused to the hotel by protesters, including windows smashed and graffiti daubed on walls. Police said the lives of residents inside was put at risk - but fortunately no one inside was injured.
Reports say the hotel houses in Tamworth asylum seekers who have come to the UK.
Staffordshire Police stated that the violent disorder had ended after being successfully dispersed by midnight last night (Sunday, August 4). But officers are continuing to patrol the area to gather evidence and provide reassurance to the local community.
Elsewhere in the West Midlands, Solihull Police reported that their officers were responding to 'a large gathering' in Hermitage Road. They added that there had also been a separate gathering in Solihull town centre last night that 'passed off without any incident'.
We're in Hermitage Road after receiving a number of calls about a large gathering.
— Solihull Police (@SolihullPolice) August 4, 2024
We're there making sure everyone stays safe until the numbers disperse.
There was a separate gathering in Solihull town centre earlier this evening. This passed off without any incident. pic.twitter.com/YNqy0OO7Cz
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Ellison said: “The senseless violence and acts of despicable thuggery in Tamworth tonight are completely inexcusable. The local community do not deserve to be subject to this behaviour, and neither do the brave officers putting themselves in harm’s way to keep everyone safe.
“I want to echo the messaging that police forces have been championing nationally following the events across the country this week: we will be using footage from CCTV, air support and our officers’ body-worn video devices to identify those responsible and seek the toughest possible punishment for these acts of senseless violence.
“Officers have shown tremendous courage in responding to the disorder that unfolded tonight, as well as those that worked valiantly at the protests seen in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.
“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.”
If you’re concerned about what happened in Tamworth or have information that can help us identify those responsible, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website.
To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.