Police evacuate Shrewsbury hotel housing migrants

Police have evacuated a Grade I-listed boutique hotel housing migrants following an incident, it has been confirmed. 

West Mercia Police established a cordon around The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury and evacuated the building which is taking part in a Government-backed scheme to house asylum seekers.

The 16th Century former coaching inn was cleared by officers as well as businesses and homes in the immediate vicinity. 

Officers have also been forced to close roads surrounding the historic building while they deal with the incident. 

Superintendent Rebecca Love of West Mercia Police said: ‘We will endeavour to update you further when we can but request at this time that the public do not attend the area and keep away to allow emergency services in attendance to do their job. Many thanks for your cooperation.’

Police also asked the public to avoid speculating about what happened in the building. 

Wyle Cop, Dogpole and High Street have all been closed while officers handle the incident. 

Last month the hotel confirmed it was closing to paying members of the public and was going to concentrate on housing migrants as part of a Home Office scheme. 

At the time of the closure, a spokesperson for the hotel told the Shropshire Star: ‘We are working with the Government to welcome people who desperately need a roof over their head – often people who have escaped war-torn countries, and are seeking a safe place to stay while they wait for a more permanent home.

‘This temporary arrangement will provide much-needed investment into the hotel, which we anticipate will stand us in good stead for the future, as well as providing continued employment for our staff.’