Refugee threw bricks at cops as city centre riots broke out

A MAN seen repeatedly hurling bricks during the Hanley riots has been locked up.

- Sentinel Reporter

Iraqi refugee Aso Hassan was seen encouraging counter-protesters as violence erupted following the murder of three girls in Southport.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Hassan had been worshipping at a Town Road mosque on August 3, 2024, when he noticed police cordons being erected outside. He soon began brandishing a broom handle and throwing rocks towards police and far-right demonstrators.

Prosecutor David Bennett said Hassan played an 'active role' in the disorder, participating from 1pm until about 4pm.

"Hassan approached the cordon at 1.40pm," he said. "Shortly afterwards, he was seen getting a broom from his car, which he waved at the opposing protesters. He then collected bricks from the car park. He threw these at police and opposing protesters on multiple occasions.