Police said there were no reports of serious injuries but called the violence “completely unacceptable.”
Local lawmaker George Howarth said the protest was triggered by “an alleged incident on social media.”
“The people of Knowsley are not bigoted and always welcome those who have escaped from some of the most dangerous places in the world in search of a safe place. “The anti-refugee protesters at tonight’s rally do not represent this community.”
Britain takes in fewer asylum seekers than some of its European neighbors including France and Germany, but has seen a sharp increase in the number of people trying to reach the UK via the English Channel by canoe. three leaves and other small boats.
More than 45,000 people have reached the UK by that route by 2022 and most have applied for asylum. The system for reviewing asylum applications has slowed because of political turmoil and bureaucratic delays, leaving many migrants stranded in hotels or other temporary accommodation.
The Channel crossings have become a hot political issue, with the Conservative government promising to “stop the boats”. Opponents accuse the government of turning people desperately fleeing war and poverty into demons.
In October, a new arrivals processing center in Dover’s Channel port was bombed by an attacker who police say was motivated by far-right ideology. He committed suicide after the attack.
