A popular internet meme has emerged featuring a man wearing a St George’s Cross rugby shirt and carrying a bag of looted Lush bath bombs, making it the latest trend following the recent wave of riots in the UK.
Lush, a high street retailer, expressed deep sadness after its store in Hull was targeted by looters during the weekend’s violent unrest. The store in Hull suffered smashed windows and scattered products outside the entrance, joining other retailers like Shoe Zone in Hull and a Sainsbury’s Local branch in Manchester that were also affected.
A representative from Lush shared their devastation over the incident, emphasizing their pride in being part of a diverse community in Hull. The team is working hard to restore the shop and looks forward to reopening as a welcoming and safe space for everyone. The local community has shown support by assisting in the clean-up efforts.
On the other hand, Holiday Inn responded to attacks on its hotels housing asylum seekers, stating that the safety of guests and staff is their top priority. Several incidents occurred at different locations, causing fear among employees and residents, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In Rotherham, rioters attempted to storm a Holiday Inn Express, resulting in injuries to multiple police officers. In Tamworth, a Holiday Inn hotel also faced violence, with reports indicating that asylum seekers were present. The situation led to fires, broken windows, and attacks on law enforcement.
Sainsbury’s store on Mosley Street closed early due to the surrounding events, causing inconvenience to customers. However, no one was harmed during the incident. Shoezone, another retailer affected by the riots, has not provided a statement regarding the damages.
As the aftermath of the riots unfolds, estimates suggest that claims for damages to households and businesses could amount to £1 million. The impact of these events on the communities and businesses affected underscores the need for unity and support during challenging times.
