In the worst social unrest seen in the UK in years, rioters attacked hotels housing asylum seekers in northern England on Sunday. The violence followed the recent stabbing of three young girls in Southport, northwest England. Misleading information spread by far-right groups falsely claimed the attacker was an immigrant, fueling anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant protests. Police confirmed the suspect was born in Britain.

Footage verified by CNN showed protesters vandalizing and setting fire to two Holiday Inns in northern England—one in Tamworth, previously criticized for housing asylum seekers, and another in Rotherham. In Tamworth, rioters hurled projectiles, smashed windows, and ignited fires, injuring a police officer. In Rotherham, demonstrators used fire extinguishers against officers, threw wooden planks, and set fires near the hotel, which was filled with terrified residents and staff.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, which led to at least 147 arrests since Saturday night. Starmer emphasized that those responsible would face the full force of the law and described the events as “far-right thuggery.” He highlighted the attacks on minority communities and the use of Nazi salutes as particularly alarming.

The UK policing minister indicated a “nick them quick” strategy to swiftly arrest and charge far-right rioters, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new emergency security measures for mosques across the country. These measures will allow police and local authorities to deploy rapid security to protect communities and enable a swift return to worship.

Experts have pointed to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, as a central hub for spreading misinformation and organizing protests. Joe Mulhall from Hope Not Hate criticized the platform for allowing far-right figures like Tommy Robinson to return, enabling the spread of divisive propaganda to millions.