Police condemn sickening riots in Rotherham in 'dark day' for townSky News
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00:00So far we have had six arrests, one in Sheffield and five in Rotherham, with one person already
00:07charged and before the court this morning. Please be assured we expect this number to
00:13increase significantly over the coming days. It began yesterday around 11.30am when a group
00:21of 250 arrived in the Manvers area of Wath-upon-Dern. A further group of around 500 people arrived
00:29shortly after, which we believe held far-right and anti-immigration views. At the same time
00:36a large crowd began to gather in Sheffield city centre, diverting a number of force resources.
00:44It was at this point we began to see an escalation in violence in Wath. Hotel windows were smashed
00:50and there was a concerted effort to cause damage to the interior and serious harm to
00:55those inside. There was a particularly sickening moment when a wheelie bin was pushed against
01:01the hotel and set on fire, with the clear intent to cause serious harm to the residents
01:08and staff. It was known there were people residing and working in the hotel, but the
01:14mindless individuals responsible had absolutely no regard for their safety. It was ultimately
01:21a disgusting display of thuggery continuing well into the evening, with our policing operation
01:27only finishing around 5am. Officers have worked through the night to begin identifying those
01:34involved in these horrendous scenes. Please be assured, if you were there, we will find
01:40you and you will be held accountable for your part in yesterday's violence. To our local
01:46communities, and particularly in Manvers, yesterday was a dark day and we know this
01:52was felt across our county. Our priority will always be public safety.