Leaders urged to ‘take a stand’ after violence outside Knowsley asylum hotel

Suella Braverman has faced repeated criticism for her rhetoric describing people crossing the Channel. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Political leaders must “take a clear stand” and condemn violence against asylum seekers, charities have said, after the home secretary was accused of victim blaming after a riot outside a hotel in Merseyside.

Refugee organisations have signed an open letter after “horrifying” scenes on Friday outside the Suites hotel in Knowsley, which is housing asylum seekers. Fireworks were thrown at police and a police van was attacked with hammers and set alight.