The Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Gareth Williams, has issued the following statement after the scenes of disorder outside Potters International Hotel on Wednesday night.
He said: “I was saddened to hear from Hampshire Police about the appalling behaviour by a small number of protestors outside Potters International Hotel on Wednesday night. It seems that a peaceful protest by local residents was exploited by a handful of people from outside our community who are determined to cause unrest.
“I want to thank the Police for their resilience in the face of this disorder. I believe this hate does not represent the feelings of the great majority of law-abiding and respectful residents of Aldershot and Farnborough.
“I fully support the Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) in his comments that everyone has a right to free speech and peaceful protest, but that incidents of criminal damage, racial abuse and intimidation will not be tolerated. We fully support the Police in bringing to justice those who put at risk families and children living in our towns."
Anyone with information on the incident should contact the Police on 101 quoting 44240326041, or on the Hampshire Police website.
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