A protest outside a hotel hosting asylum seekers in north-west England erupted on Friday, with bullets being thrown and a police van set on fire.
Merseyside Police said three people were arrested over “rioting incidents” near the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, near Liverpool.
The force said there was an “initially peaceful” protest outside the hotel, as well as a counter-protest by protesters in support of refugees.
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Police said there were no reports of serious injuries but called the violence “completely unacceptable”.
A protest against refugees gone wrong in the UK has resulted in three arrests.
Local MP George Howarth said the demonstration was triggered by “an alleged social media incident”.
“The people of Knowsley are not bigoted and welcome people fleeing some of the most dangerous places in the world in search of a place of safety,” he said. “Those demonstrating against refugees at this protest tonight do not represent this community.”
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Britain takes in fewer asylum seekers than some of its European neighbors, including France and Germany, but has seen a sharp rise in the number of people trying to reach the UK across the Channel in dinghies and other small boats.
More than 45,000 people reached Britain via that route in 2022 and most have applied for asylum. The system for processing asylum applications has slowed down due to political turmoil and bureaucratic delays, leaving many migrants stranded in hotels or other temporary accommodation.
Channel crossings have become a hot political issue, with the Conservative government promising to “stop the boats”. Opponents accuse the government of demonizing the desperate fleeing war and poverty.
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In October, a new arrivals processing center in the English Channel port of Dover was bombed by an attacker who police said was motivated by far-right ideology. He killed himself after the attack.
