Report suggests South Yorkshire Police failed to appreciate 'risk' before Rotherham riot
Police should have been better prepared for the riot outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham after a protest at the same venue a year earlier, a watchdog has said.
A far right mob laid siege to the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers on 4 August, starting fires and throwing missiles at police officers, who were forced to retreat.
Those staying at the hotel and staff had to barricade themselves in amid fear for their lives.
More than 50 officers were injured, along with dogs and horses.
It happened 18 months after two people were arrested when anti-immigration groups held a protest outside the same hotel.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has now examined how police responded to the riots in Rotherham and elsewhere, which were sparked by the murders of three girls in Southport.
In its report on Wednesday, it said previous incidents, like the 2023 protest in Rotherham, should have "influenced" the police's assessment of "threat and risk" this summer.
The report said: "Our assessment of these incidents suggests that the risks of disorder were greater than the police believed them to be.
"They involved extreme nationalist sentiment, aggravated activism or serious disorder. All of them took place before the Southport killings and subsequent outbreaks of widespread disorder across the UK."
The disorder in August saw trouble flare as hundreds of people gathered outside the hotel.
South Yorkshire Police sustained more injuries than any other force affected by rioting other than Merseyside Police in Southport.
More than 70 people have since been jailed for their roles in the Rotherham riot.
The HMICFRS report said South Yorkshire Police struggled to keep the peace because they were overwhelmed while awaiting support from other forces, known as "mutual aid".
It said: "A line of officers with shields were protecting hotel residents and staff, who would be at severe risk if they withdrew. The officers had to endure sustained attack while waiting to receive mutual aid.
"The limited number of officers in attendance amounted to a 'thin blue line' and meant dynamic dispersal tactics weren’t immediately available to commanders."
South Yorkshire Police said it would review the report's recommendations "to inform and improve our future policing".
In a statement it added: "Alongside this, we are currently undertaking an internal force review of all areas of our police response to the violent disorder.
As a force, we experienced the one the highest number of officers injured during the disorder, and we are pleased that the report acknowledges the immense bravery and dedication to protecting our communities displayed by our officers and those who provided mutual aid on that day.
"The health and wellbeing of our officers and staff affected by the disorder remains a key priority for us and we will continue to deliver an enhanced wellbeing support service to them."
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