'Extremely dangerous' attack on hotel subject to anti-migrant protests spark police probe

Police are investigating an "extremely dangerous" arson attack on a hotel which has been subject to anti-immigration protests. Officers from Hampshire Constabulary were called after a flare was put through an open ground-floor window of the Highfield House Hotel in Shaftesbury Avenue, Southampton, at about 2.15am on Sunday.

A force spokesman said: "Thankfully, the fire caused by the flare was quickly put out and nobody was injured. 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 people left the area along Shaftesbury Avenue. One was wearing a dark hooded top and had his face covered, and the other had a white hooded top on."

The hotel was subject to an anti-immigration protest as recently as September 1, with a counter protest held by Stand Up To Racism.

Chief Inspector Chris Douglas said: "Fortunately, this fire was quickly put out, but this was an extremely dangerous act and could have had fatal consequences.

"Our local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out additional patrols in Portswood in the coming days, and if anyone has any concerns then please do speak to them.

"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 which 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.

"We are working closely with local authorities as part of this investigation."

The force spokesman said: "Following the incident, officers were at the hotel on Sunday conducting enquiries, with these continuing this week. We are also carrying out additional patrols in the area this week."

The spokesman declined to comment on the use of the hotel but said of the incident: "It is being investigated as an arson. There is no link to other matters at this time."