Police created a barrier around the hotel as the two groups clashed
Police created a barrier around the hotel as the two groups clashed(Image: MKR Audits / YouTube)
Protesters clashed outside a hotel in Altrincham housing asylum seekers on Sunday evening (July 27).
Groups waving Union Jack flags which read ‘Uniting Britain’ and ‘The Great Britain National Protest’ gathered opposite the Cresta Court hotel on Church Street.
The hotel closed last year, with all future bookings moved to alternative hotels in and around Trafford. It came after the owners of the venue reportedly agreed a deal with Serco.
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It was announced by Labour leader of Trafford Council, Tom Ross, that the hotel closed as a result of the move; a decision made by the Home Office.
On Sunday (July 27), counter-protesters also gathered directly outside the venue, on the opposite side of the road, equally brandishing banners and signs.
Protesters outside the hotel on Sunday(Image: MKR Audits / YouTube)
Plaques which read ‘Stop the far right’ and ‘stand up to racism’ were waved as groups shouted across to one another. Chants of ‘say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here’ were also shouted into a microphone.
Greater Manchester Police were also in attendance. The force said during the afternoon that nobody was arrested. They have been contacted for an update by the M.E.N.
Groups of officers were seen talking to a number of protestors who had also positioned themselves on a grass verge beside the road. Multiple police vehicles and vans were also in attendance as the two groups were kept separate.
Protesters clashed outside the hotel(Image: MKR Audits / YouTube)
An army of officers and Tactical Aid teams were also seen surrounding the perimeter of the hotel. Officers were seen speaking to members of both groups as insults were hurled across both sides.
A post shared on Facebook indicated that The Great British National Protest had joined with the Altrincham Against the Cresta Court Hotel group to host the demonstration.
They claimed it was ‘to help keep pressure on this government and keep rising awareness on this issue.’
The protest was also livestreamed on YouTube to thousands of viewers.
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