Protesters and activists trade insults and gestures at hotel

No arrests at demo over asylum seekers

- Thomas Cooper

PROTESTERS gathered outside a Stoke-on-Trent hotel housing asylum seekers faced a large group of activists showing support for the immigrants.

The two groups - totalling about 100 people - squared off outside the Best Western Plus Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Hotel, in Trinity Street, Hanley, on Saturday.

The rival demonstrators, who were separated by police and a constant stream of traffic, mainly traded chants, gestures and insults, with proceedings passing with no arrests.

Placards being waved by protesters included ‘hands off our kids’ and ‘stop the boats, while activists waved ‘refugees welcome’ and ‘displaced people are human too’ signs.