Some Central Asian countries have warned their citizens to avoid cities in the United Kingdom where anti-immigrant riots have erupted since late last month.
Kyrgyzstan urged its nationals to “temporarily refrain from visiting the cities of Rotherham, Bolton, Blackpool, Hull, Bristol, Stoke-on-Trent, Belfast, as well as the suburbs of Manchester and Liverpool until the situation in these regions stabilizes,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.
“At the same time, citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic currently located in the specified settlements should observe increased security measures, be vigilant and careful, refrain from visiting crowded places and follow the latest news,” the ministry said. It listed +44 7341 185777 as an emergency telephone number, accessible via WhatsApp, for Kyrgyz citizens.
Kazakhstan’s embassy has issued similar advice, saying there are emergency contact lines for Kazakh citizens in the United Kingdom as well as their relatives in Kazakhstan. It listed +44 7900 511 535 as an emergency number.
Riots in Britain started after the stabbing murders of three girls at a children’s dance event in the coastal town of Southport near Liverpool on July 29. Hundreds of people have been arrested in violence that police say was stirred by agitators promoting anti-immigrant sentiment. Some of the mobs attacked mosques. Despite fears of more unrest, Wednesday night was relatively peaceful as thousands of police officers and anti-racism protesters mobilized to head off the threat.
