Police have confirmed serious public disorder in several towns and cities after protests over the government’s migration and asylum accommodation policy escalated into violent clashes, criminal damage and multiple reports of fires at hotels being used to house asylum seekers.

Forces across England and Northern Ireland said officers were deployed in large numbers after initially peaceful demonstrations turned confrontational, with crowds blocking roads, throwing objects at police lines and attempting to breach cordons around accommodation sites. In several locations, fires were reported either inside or close to hotel buildings, prompting rapid responses from local fire and rescue services.

Authorities stressed that investigations are ongoing and that the exact causes of the fires are still being established. Police confirmed a number of arrests for offences including violent disorder, arson-related offences, and assaults on emergency workers. Several officers were treated for minor injuries, while some members of the public were also assisted at the scene.

The unrest comes amid growing political tension over the continued use of hotels to house asylum seekers, a policy ministers have repeatedly described as temporary but which has now been in place for several years. Local residents in affected areas have complained about a lack of consultation, pressure on public services and concerns about safety, while campaign groups and charities have warned that asylum seekers themselves are being placed at risk by hostile protests and misinformation.

Senior policing figures said the scale and speed of the disorder had stretched resources, with mutual aid requested between neighbouring forces in some areas. Commanders said their priority was to protect life, prevent further damage to property and ensure that those responsible for violence and arson are identified.

A spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council said:
“Protests are a legitimate part of public life, but violence, criminal damage and attacks on emergency workers will not be tolerated. Where offences have been committed, we will pursue those responsible.”

The Home Office said it was working closely with police and local authorities and condemned the attacks on accommodation sites. Ministers reiterated that the government remains committed to reducing the use of hotels by expanding alternative accommodation and speeding up asylum decision-making, but acknowledged that current pressures on the system remain severe.