Leaders urged to ‘take a stand’ after violence outside Knowsley asylum hotel

Charities condemn policies that demonise' refugees after home secretary accused of victim blaming

Political leaders must take a clear stand" and condemn violence against asylum seekers, charities have said, after the home secretary was accused of victim blaming after a riot outside a hotel in Merseyside.

Refugee organisations have signed an open letter after horrifying" scenes on Friday outside the Suites hotel in Knowsley, which is housing asylum seekers. Fireworks were thrown at police and a police van was attacked with hammers and set alight.