Protests outside Cresta Court prompt police response

Rival groups clash outside a Greater Manchester hotel housing asylum seekers as police separate opposing sides.

Protests Outside Cresta Court Highlight Tensions Surrounding Asylum Seekers

Rival groups clashed outside the Cresta Court hotel in Altrincham on Friday evening as a heavy police presence kept the sides apart along the A56 Church Street. The Best Western hotel has been used to provide accommodation for asylum seekers since the venue closed to regular bookings last year after its owners reportedly struck a deal with Serco.

Hundreds gathered on each side of the dual carriageway, with police lining the central reservation to maintain space between demonstrators. UK and English flags were seen on the side facing the hotel, and chants such as save our kids and send them home echoed across the road. A counter protest, organized by Stand Up to Racism, carried placards and shouted that refugees are welcome here as locals looked on from their windows. The protestpursued into the evening with several incidents of physical confrontation reported to police. It was not clear whether any arrests had been made as inquiries continue.

These events illuminate a broader national tension around housing asylum seekers in local facilities. Large street protests and the presence of both nationalist and pro refugee groups suggest a split in community sentiment that can escalate quickly if policing or communication breaks down. The incident also underscores the strain on local resources, as officials balance humanitarian obligations with public safety and comfort for nearby residents. Media coverage can intensify these dynamics by shaping perceptions of threat or belonging, so careful reporting matters as authorities assess next steps for policing and community outreach.

Highlights

The city will monitor developments as housing arrangements continue and authorities review safety measures.