Sickening moment thug tried to block asylum seekers in burning Rotherham hotel

Footage shows a man deliberately blocking an entrance to a hotel, which was set alight, during violent disorder in Rotherham on Sunday 4 August.

Thomas Birley, of Rowms Lane, Rotherham, has been handed an extended sentence totalling 14 years, with nine behind bars, after he pleaded guilty to violent disorder, arson with intent to endanger life and possession of an offensive weapon.

Sharing the shocking footage of his actions, South Yorkshire Police said Birley was filmed throughout the day “displaying disgusting examples of violence” and “anger and abuse towards officers”.

As well as blocking the entrance to the burning hotel with a sheet of wood and a large bin, he threatened officers with a police baton, while body worn video shows Birley throwing a bin and rocks at officers who were stood protecting some of the most vulnerable people in the community.