Azeem Rafiq, a former Yorkshire cricketer, shared with Sky News that his relatives in the Rotherham region have experienced difficulty in going about their daily lives due to the “terrifying” violence.
Expressing his concerns, he mentioned, “We’re not that far away, and the current situation is causing anxiety for all of us.”
Rafiq further elaborated, stating, “Within our family circles, everyone is checking up on each other, staying connected, and ensuring mutual safety.
“It’s quite scary going to bed at night feeling unsafe in your own home – it’s not something one should have to worry about, but unfortunately, it’s the reality for many people now.”
Update: Second hotel designated for housing asylum seekers under attack
Over the weekend in Rotherham, masked protesters with anti-immigrant sentiments forcibly entered a hotel where asylum seekers were housed, escalating the situation by hurling chairs and large wooden items towards law enforcement.
Amid violent confrontations resulting in at least ten officers sustaining injuries, with one officer rendered unconscious, the Prime Minister vowed that those partaking in riots would have regrets for engaging in “far-right violence”.
Concerning his family safety, Rafiq stated that his loved ones are refraining from solo outings and are actively tracking the protest locations “to steer clear of danger.”
He emphasized, “Everyone is urging each other to accompany when necessary to go out, ensuring not to be alone, and opting to stay indoors if possible.
“This applies to my family as well. We are maintaining communication, monitoring the protest areas to safeguard ourselves.”
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The cricket player, known for his previous stance against racism in sports, commended the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for offering emergency security measures for mosques but urged for more comprehensive protection.
“I believe this was crucial and a step in the right direction,” he affirmed. “I can already see the positive impact it has brought.
“We are closely coordinating with the mosque, following their guidelines, and I believe this is a positive progression,” he remarked. “However, as evidenced by the Rotherham incident at the hotel, the situation seems uncontrollable… It still feels like a ‘wait and see’ scenario.
“While protecting mosques, our places of worship, is a commendable start, there needs to be more comprehensive measures in the coming days and months.”