Police footage shows jailed arsonist during Rotherham riot

South Yorkshire Police has issued footage of Thomas Birley taking part in a riot in Rotherham in August.

Birley, 27, from Swinton, was jailed for nine years after he admitted arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

The video released by the police shows Birley standing on a burning bin outside a hotel housing more than 200 asylum seekers during a riot on 4 August.

A number of people have appeared in court in relation to the violence which erupted in many towns and cities in early August, with more than 200 jailed so far.

Rioter who stoked asylum hotel fire gets nine years

6 September 2024