Four arrested after protestors clash outside Newcastle hotel

Demonstrators gathered outside of the New Bridge Hotel in the city centre on Saturday (August 2) protesting against hotel rooms being used to house asylum seekers. 

Pictures showed of the 'Great British National Protest' showed people waving Union Flags and holding signs saying “stop mass immigration”.

But they were met by counter-protesters carrying “refugees welcome”, “no-one is illegal”, and “open the borders” signs, and waving Palestinian flags.

The anti-immigrant protest took place outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Police stood between the two groups as they exchanged a war of words.

Northumbria Police confirmed four people were arrested in connection with public order offences. They remained in custody as of Saturday evening. 

Posts online had previously advertised the protest as “for our children, for our future”, while a counter-protest to “stop the far right and fascists”, organised by Stand Up To Racism, got underway at the nearby Laing Art Gallery.

Counter protestors held Palestinian flags and placards. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) In a statement, the counter-demo's organisers said: “Yet again far-right and fascist thugs are intent on bringing their message of hate to Newcastle. 

“They aim to build on years of Islamophobia, anti-migrant sentiment and scapegoating.

The anti-immigrant protest took place outside the New Bridge Hotel in Newcastle (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) “In Epping and elsewhere recently we have already seen intimidation and violence aimed at refugees, migrants and asylum seekers.

“Newcastle, like the rest of the North East, has a well-earned reputation for unity in the face of those who seek to divide us. 

“Whatever problems we face, racism and division are not the answer.”

(Image: NNP) Protests were also held outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, north London, on Saturday afternoon, and saw several detained by police.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware of a protest planned in Newcastle today (Saturday), we ensured we had an increased presence in the city to deliver a proportionate policing response.

“While the activity mainly passed without incident, disappointingly, four people were arrested in connection with public order offences. All four remain in police custody.

“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold. However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime or disorder.

“If anyone has any concerns following today’s events, please contact us via a direct message on social media or using the live chat on our website.

“For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101.”