Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa: 'Racist attack' on asylum seekers slammed

Serco claim members of Britain First forced their way into the Britannia Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa through a fire door to film a near 10-minute video that has been widely viewed on social media.

In the video, the activists bang loudly on a number of hotel bedroom doors and quiz migrants staying there about their nation of origin and whether they are paying for their stay.

The Advertiser reported in April that around 150 asylum seekers were being housed at the hotel under emergency measures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Local response to the issue has been divided with some welcoming the newcomers, while others have raised worries about intimidation and behaviour when the migrants have wandered from the hotel.

Now, last month's visit of Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage to the hotel - where he was turned away by security - has been followed by the Britain First video.

Jenni Halliday, Serco contract director for asylum seeker accommodation and support, said: “Serco was shocked and appalled at this racist attack on a hotel where we are accommodating asylum seekers.

“At the same time, we are very proud of the swift response of our employees who were on duty at the hotel.

"They dialled 999 to summon the police who arrived quickly and, in the meantime, took every measure possible to protect the residents and themselves in the face of an aggressive group of men who forced their way in through a fire door.”

Ms Halliday added that Serco have been pleased with the community's overall reaction to the presence of the asylum seekers and the Advertiser understands a number of community groups have been organising collections for the newcomers.

She added: “Serco has been engaging with a number of voluntary groups who offer different services to those within the hotel, mainly in the form of donations and activity packs for children and we are very grateful for the support they have given.”