In a shocking outbreak of violence in Rotherham, at least ten police officers were injured following a vicious attack outside the Holiday Inn Express hotel, a facility reportedly used to house asylum seekers. The incident, which occurred on August 4, 2024, has left the community reeling and authorities vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Masked individuals descended on the hotel, shattering windows and igniting a large bin near the building. South Yorkshire Police described the scenes as “barbaric,” with rioters hurling bottles, beer cans, and planks of wood at officers while using fire extinguishers to spray them. The chaos escalated as a generator and several small grass areas were set ablaze, prompting swift action from the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish the fires.
Around 700 people gathered in the Manvers area during the turmoil, leaving one officer unconscious with a head injury, another with a suspected fractured elbow, and a third with possible broken bones. Fortunately, no hotel employees or residents were physically injured during the attack.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield condemned the violence, stating, “Today in Rotherham, we have seen our officers attacked and at least ten injured, significant damage caused, and a fire set outside a hotel full of terrified residents and staff. The mindless actions of those today have achieved nothing other than sheer destruction, leaving members of the public and the wider community in fear.”
ACC Butterfield criticized bystanders for their collaboration: “The behaviour we witnessed has been nothing short of disgusting. While it was a smaller number of those in attendance who chose to commit violence and destruction, those who simply stood on and watched remain absolutely complicit in this.” She also addressed the role of misinformation in fueling the unrest, emphasizing that “those who choose to spread misinformation and hate online also need to take responsibility for today’s scenes—this was not a protest, just angry people reacting to a false narrative who have their own motivations for doing so.”
Despite the chaos, only one person has been arrested for public order offences. However, ACC Butterfield assured the public that the investigation is ongoing: “Please be assured, our work does not end today – we have officers working hard, reviewing the considerable online imagery and footage of those involved, and they should expect us to be at their doors very soon.”
In the aftermath, a heavy police presence remains in the area to prevent further incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the riot to contact the police on 101, quoting incident number 239 of August 4, 2024. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The force issued a strong statement condemning the violence, reiterating their commitment to maintaining public safety and bringing the perpetrators to justice. “We absolutely condemn the scenes of disorder we witnessed. Around 700 people were in attendance in Manvers Way earlier today. A number of people threw planks of wood at our officers and sprayed them with fire extinguishers before smashing hotel windows to gain access to the premises.”
As the investigation continues, the Rotherham community and the wider public are left grappling with the aftermath of a day marred by senseless violence and destruction.
A minimum of 10 police officers have sustained injuries from the ‘total devastation’.
