Police investigate arson attack on Southampton hotel 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 Southampton. Credit: Google Streetview

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 7 September.

A force spokesperson 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 on 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 spokesperson declined to comment on the use of the hotel but said: "It is being investigated as an arson.

"There is no link to other matters at this time."

Southampton Stand Up to Racism says it "condemns in the strongest possible terms the arson attack on Highfield House Hotel".

A spokesperson said: "Thankfully, the fire was contained and no one was hurt, but this remains an extremely worrying situation."

Satvir Kaur MP for Southampton Test said: "This is horrific behaviour which is inexcusable.

"Southampton is a proud city of sanctuary, and actions like this will not and should never define us.

"This type of sadistic targeting and endangerment of life doesn’t just happen in isolation, so I would urge those that are promoting hate and division within our communities to realise words matter.

"Seeing this escalation into dangerous criminal behaviour is shocking and won't be tolerated in our city.

"I strongly urge anyone with information that can assist the police with their ongoing investigation to come forward.

"Everyone in our city deserves to feel safe; I will be reaching out to Hampshire Constabulary and others on what more can be done to prevent future incidents like this."

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