Three people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following a protest outside a hotel where asylum seekers were staying in Merseyside on Friday.
Merseyside Police said officers in Prescot were dealing with two groups of protesters after a demonstration descended into chaos outside the Suites Hotel in Ribblers Lane.
Videos shared on social media appear to show a police van on fire and officers carrying riot shields in the area.
Knowsley MP Sir George Howarth said the demonstration was triggered by “an alleged incident on social media” and criticised misinformation claiming refugees were “feather-bedded” inside.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul White called the scenes “completely unacceptable”.
He said: “We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful, but the scenes tonight were completely unacceptable, putting those present, our officers and the wider community in danger.
“Thankfully we have not had any serious injuries reported up to this point, but for officers and police vehicles to be damaged in the course of their duty protecting the public is disgraceful.”
Refugee charity Care4Calais said some of its team were involved in a counter-demonstration outside the hotel.
In a post on Twitter, the charity said: “We are terrified. The police seem to have lost control and there is a danger people are going to be seriously hurt.”
Sir George said: “I have referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which has triggered a demonstration outside the Suites Hotel, to Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council.
“Until the police have investigated the matter, it is too soon to jump to conclusions and the effort on the part of some to inflame the situation is emphatically wrong.”
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Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell described the scenes of violence as “deeply shocking and concerning”.
In a statement, Merseyside Police said it has implemented a number of road closures on the East Lancs Road and is urging motorists to avoid the area.