Disruptions as protesters gather outside Royal Hotel in Hull

Protesters were outside the Royal Hotel in Hull with a heavy police presence at the scene.

At the time, an eyewitness said there are two “rival groups” of protesters near to the hotel in Ferensway.

The footpath was blocked and access to the train station has been restricted, with travellers unable to use the side entrance.

The Royal Hotel has been housing dozens of asylum seekers during lockdown as part of a Home Office contract, and the protest today appears to have been centred on that decision.

“There are two rival protests taking place, one at one side, and another at the other side,” said one eyewitness at the time.

“The footpath is blocked and I’ve had to walk round to get into the station.”

Another man at the scene said that the protest is peaceful at the moment, but described the situation as proceeds “on the knife edge”.

“There are protesters outside The Royal Hotel in Hull City centre chanting,” he said. “Whilst next to Paragon Stations taxi rank, a picket line formed vowing to protect migrants and end racism.”

Humberside Police confirmed its officers were there to “facilitate peaceful protest”.

Follow our live blog below for updates.