You will regret this, Starmer warns rioters

Hotel for asylum seekers in Rotherham set alight as Violence continues

- Rowena Mason , Vikram Dodd

Keir Starmer issued a stark warning to "far-right thugs", saying they would regret taking part in violent disorder after riots escalated yesterday and a mob attempted to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers.

The prime minister said the rioters targeting people because of their skin colour would be swiftly convicted, and said "all right-minded people should condemn❞ the disorder.

"Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law," he said. "The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder."

Speaking from Downing Street, he pledged to those feeling frightened about being targeted because of their race or religion that "this violent mob do not represent our country and we will bring them to justice".

Starmer will lead an emergency Cobra meeting today, as Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians condemned the scenes of violent gangs attacking the Holiday Inn Express near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, where asylum seekers were housed. Rioters in Middlesbrough walked through a residential area smashing the windows of houses and cars.