Stand up to Racism. BCP utterly condemns the cowardly arson attack on asylum accommodation in Southampton in the early hours of Sunday. We also condemn the attack and attempt to close down the meeting of the new “Your Party” in Portsmouth on Tuesday evening.
This shows that amongst the far-right protesters are violent thugs who are prepared to use violence against innocent people. The attack on the meeting (probably in the mistaken belief that Jeremy Corbyn was there) shows that their belief in free speech only involves the right to be racist and misogynist and to spread hate and incite violence; it doesn’t include the right to challenge the lies that are spread by many on the far right.
A spokesperson for SUTR BCP said, “It would be interesting to know if the organisers of the so-called “safeguarding force” would also condemn the arson attack and the attack on a legitimate political meeting?”.
Police Investigate “Extremely Dangerous” Arson Attack on Southampton Hotel
An investigation is under way following what police have described as an “extremely dangerous” arson attack on a hotel that has recently been the focus of anti-immigration protests.
Hampshire Constabulary was called to the Highfield House Hotel on Shaftesbury Avenue in the early hours of Sunday, 7 September, after a flare was launched through an open ground-floor window at approximately 2.15am.
A force spokesperson confirmed that the fire was extinguished quickly and that no injuries were reported. They added: “Enquiries are under way to establish the exact circumstances of the incident, including locating two people seen approaching the hotel and then fleeing the scene.”
The two individuals were last seen leaving the area along Shaftesbury Avenue. One was described as wearing a dark hooded top with his face covered, while the other had on a white hooded top.
The incident comes just days after the same hotel was targeted by an anti-immigration protest on 1st September, which was met with a counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism.
Chief Inspector Chris Douglas emphasised the severity of the attack, stating: “Fortunately, this fire was quickly put out, but this was an extremely dangerous act and could have had fatal consequences.”
He reassured the local community that additional patrols would be carried out by neighbourhood policing teams in the Portswood area in the coming days and urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers.
CI Douglas also made a direct appeal for information: “I want to urge anyone with information, however small you think it may be, to get in touch and share this with us. If you have any CCTV that may have captured the two men either in the moments leading up to or after the incident, then we would ask you to share this with us.”
He confirmed that police are “working closely with local authorities as part of this investigation.”
When questioned about the current use of the hotel, a police spokesperson declined to comment, stating only: “It is being investigated as an arson. There is no link to other matters at this time.”
In response to the attack, Southampton Stand Up to Racism issued a statement strongly condemning the arson. A spokesperson said: “Thankfully, the fire was contained and no one was hurt, but this remains an extremely worrying situation.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Hampshire Constabulary quoting the relevant reference number.
