A protest against housing asylum seekers in hotels may take place in Swindon.
Wiltshire 999s has seen numerous communications relating to the event, which is due to take place in the town centre on Saturday 30 August.
In a post on a Swindon community group, one person said: “Please come to the peaceful protest”, and shared a poster featuring a St George’s flag.
The poster states that the protest against asylum seeker hotels is due to take place outside the Thistle Express – a hotel in Islington Street, near Fleming Way.
While it has not been confirmed publicly, it is common knowledge that the establishment houses asylum seekers.
It remains open, with security guards manning the entrance to the building – and it is no longer taking bookings from regular customers who wish to stay there.
Another post, shared in a private WhatsApp group, asked those attending to “make it peaceful”, adding that “no violence will be acceptable, we must sensible”.
Peaceful protest is lawful in the UK, but those attending could be arrested if public order offences – or other crimes – are committed during the event.
Wiltshire Police were contacted for comment on 23 August, but is yet to respond.
As such, it’s unclear whether the force is aware of any formal plans for a protest, and what arrangements are in place to police it.
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