Police arrest 15 over violence near hotel housing asylum-seekers in UK

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - A total of 15 protesters have been arrested following night's clash near a hotel housing asylum-seekers in northwestern England, British police said on Saturday.

"We can confirm that a total of 15 people have so far been arrested following violent disorder in Knowsley last night, Friday 10 February," police said in a statement.

Merseyside police said Friday that officers are "dealing with two groups of protesters" in Knowsley as they were "facilitating an initially peaceful protest and counter-protest" on Ribblers Lane.

However, shortly after, a protest outside the Suites Hotel turned into violence which caused damage to a police vehicle and injured three, including a police officer.

"During the evening, missiles including lit fireworks were thrown at officers and one of our police vans was attacked by offenders, using hammers before setting it on fire," it noted.

The police added that 13 men and two women between the ages of 13 and 54 have been arrested over violent disorder.

Police continue to gather CCTV, drone and other evidence to identify all of those who were involved in the incident.

"We understand that prior to this happening last night, there were rumors and misinformation being circulated on social media following an incident earlier in the week," said Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, referring to Monday's report that a man-made inappropriate advances toward a teenage girl.

The man was released with no further action.

Stressing that speculation, rumor, and misinformation on social media can damage the outcome of investigations and cause fear, Kennedy called on people to be mindful of the damage that such actions can cause.

Following the incident, George Howarth, Labour MP for Knowsley, released a statement urging calm.

"Those demonstrating against refugees at this protest tonight do not represent this community. We are not like that and overwhelmingly behave with sympathy and kindness to others regardless of where they come from," he said.