Britain is staring at some of its ugliest street scenes in years as around 460 masked rioters rampage through towns targeting hotels that house migrants and asylum seekers, leaving smashed windows, burning cars and terrified families in their wake.

The flashpoint erupted after days of online agitation, with encrypted channels and fringe platforms circulating calls to “take back our streets” and sharing the locations of so‑called “migrant hotels.” By nightfall, coordinated groups in black masks descended on several sites, hurling flares, bricks and abuse as staff rushed to barricade doors and move families to upper floors.

Riot police with shields and dogs struggled to regain control as running battles spilled into nearby high streets. At least dozens are reported injured, including officers and bystanders, and multiple arrests have been made on suspicion of violent disorder, arson and hate‑crime offences. Video of a small group of migrants sheltering in a hotel lobby as glass rained down outside has already gone viral, fuelling national outrage.

Downing Street has condemned the violence as “mob rule, not protest,” promising fast‑track prosecutions and emergency funds to relocate those targeted. Civil‑rights groups warn that authorities ignored clear early warning signs online, while security analysts say Britain is now confronting a dangerous new blend of extremism, disinformation and street vigilantism.

As smoke still rises over damaged town centres, one question now hangs over the country: will this be remembered as a grim one‑off — or the night Britain crossed a line it cannot easily step back from?