Violent Protests Erupt in Hull City Centre

Things took a wild turn today in Hull, where a gathering of far-right protesters quickly escalated into chaotic violence. It all started around Queen Victoria Square, but soon spilled into nearby streets as demonstrators clashed with police.

In a scene that many are calling unprecedented, what was supposed to be a protest morphed into a series of aggressive skirmishes. As the crowd moved through King Edward Street, confrontations with officers became frequent, leading to a tense standoff outside the Royal Hotel, where windows were smashed and missiles were thrown.

This outbreak of disorder came in response to a tragic knife attack in Southport earlier this week that left three young girls dead. Social media rumors surrounding the suspect’s background stirred up sentiments leading to today’s protests.

With the disturbances, major roads like Ferensway were closed, disrupting local transport and events. The Paragon Interchange and the Ferens Art Gallery also felt the impacts, with reports of the group moving to St Stephens Shopping Centre causing further damage.

Eyewitnesses noted that the crowd appeared to be a mix of folks from various regions, united under a social media campaign labeled “Enough Is Enough.” They carried signs and chanted slogans demanding action regarding asylum seekers.

From what started as a rally, participants soon turned aggressive. Police found themselves pelted with beer cans, bottles, and even eggs, while some wore masks and brandished flags. One instigator gained cheer after he managed to swipe a police riot shield, flaunting it among the fray.

This violent atmosphere affected local residents as well. Many families were stuck in traffic, with children visibly upset by the chaos unfolding around them. A woman was seen trying to shield her young kids from the turmoil.

In response to the growing unrest, Humberside Police reported that they had made several arrests. The officers faced harsh treatment from the crowd, and some sustained injuries.

As evening fell, reports indicated that local businesses had also suffered, with incidents of vandalism and fires. Council leader Mike Ross condemned the actions of the protestors, emphasizing that such behavior does not represent the true spirit of Hull.

The situation remains tense as the police continue to manage the area, urging the public to steer clear while they restore order amidst the chaos.