Police hand rape alarms to schoolgirls after migrants ‘photographed pu | UK | News
Schoolgirls in a Scottish town have been put on rape alert by police after claims asylum seekers at a nearby immigration hotel photographed them during school holidays.
The Express understands police officers in Dumfries raised personal attack alerts on two teenage girls following reports that men staying at the Mercure hotel were behaving suspiciously near the school. A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed investigations were taking place but said no crime had been committed.
A mother whose daughter goes to school told reporters that girls are now afraid to walk in the city center at lunchtime, and that groups of boys from the hotel gather outside while students break for lunch.
He reportedly said: “These guys show up every day when the school is about to break for lunch and go around trying to lead kids astray.
“Some girls stopped going into town because they didn’t feel safe. “There are allegations that boys made rude comments to some children.
“The police should step in and start patrolling the city at this time, but they don’t.
“We can’t get to a situation where the answer to this problem is to put out rape alerts on female students and hope they don’t get attacked.”
An arrest was made
The Scottish Sun newspaper said its journalist observed about 15 men standing on the main shopping street during the school’s lunch hour, their attention focused on nearby students.
When classes resumed and the children came back in, the group dispersed; When the final bell rang, a handful of people showed up again.
Earlier this year, a 19-year-old man living in Mercure was arrested over child protection concerns. Charges were not pursued and he was released.
The Mercure has also hosted demonstrations by far-right groups; Local critics argued that the protests added another layer of tension to an already unresolved situation.
political pressure
Scottish Conservative candidate Craig Hoy has reportedly called for the hotel to be closed.
“These reports are extremely worrying and reflect the fears of the residents I spoke to,” he said in the report. “It is shocking that we have reached a point where alarm is needed to protect girls from potential threats from immigrants.
“Authorities urgently need to reassure local people that they are keeping a close eye on these individuals. It is time to close the asylum hotel in Dumfries to address concerns.”
A Home Office contract brought asylum seekers to the Mercure in 2023. The arrangement was designed to accommodate single men.
The Home Office said: “This government is removing the incentives that attract illegal immigrants to Britain. That’s why we will close all asylum hotels and move asylum seekers to essential accommodation.
“The population in asylum hotels decreased by approximately 20 percent last year and by 45 percent since the peak under the previous government.”
The Express contacted Police Scotland for comment by email.
