Man charged after ‘sickening’ violence at Holiday Inn hotel

The first person has been charged in connection with violence at the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham on Sunday (4 August).

Curtin Coulson, 30, of Water Slacks Road, Sheffield is charged with affray.

He was due to appear before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court this morning (5 August) at 10am.

A further six men remain in police custody in connection to the incident, which targeted a hotel being used to house asylum seekers.

Assistant chief constable Lindsey Butterfield of South Yorkshire Police said around 750 people believed to hold far-right and anti-immigration views had gathered in the Manvers area on Sunday (4 August).

Butterfield said the hotel’s windows were smashed and there was “a concerted effort to cause damage to the interior and serious harm to those inside”.

She said there was “a particularly sickening moment” when a wheelie bin was pushed up against the hotel and set on fire with the intent to cause harm to those inside.

Hotel staff told the BBC how they had pushed fridges and furniture against a door to create a barrier against a mob.

Butterfield said: “It was known there were people residing and working in the hotel, but the mindless individuals responsible had absolutely no regard for their safety.

"It was ultimately a disgusting display of thuggery, continuing well into the evening, with our policing operation only finishing around 5am.”

Police dogs suffered minor injuries when missiles were launched at them while bricks, eggs, bottles and beer cans were thrown at police horses.

Police expect the number of people arrested and charged to increase significantly over the next few days.

Butterfield said: “Officers have worked through the night to begin identifying those involved in these horrendous scenes. Please be assured, if you were there, we will find you, and you will be held accountable for your part in yesterday’s violence.”

Violence has been seen in towns and cities across the UK after three children were killed in Southport last Monday (29 July).

A police officer suffered a suspected broken arm after a Holiday Inn hotel in Tamworth was also targeted by violent protests on Sunday night.

IHG, the parent company of Holiday Inn, said it was prioritising the safety and security of its guests and staff.

South Yorkshire Police have appealed for information and encouraged witnesses to share any footage of the incident.

Image: Loch Earn / Shutterstock