A Hays travel branch had its windows smashed as anti-immigration riots flared up in multiple towns and cities across the UK.
The shop in Sunderland, where the independent agency group is based, had its windows broken on Saturday.
No one was hurt and the damage will be repaired for business to continue as normal today (Monday), according to the company.
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The damage came after a night of disorder on Friday when a car was overturned and set alight as protestors attacked police.
Helen Hays, daughter of Hays Travel owner Dame Irene Hays, posted on X/Twitter alongside an image of the damaged agency: “Two young lads decided to throw 2 bricks through Hays Travel Sunderland today. Why? Seriously why?
Nothing comes from hate but more hate. Violence helps absolutely no one. Go home.
— Helen Hays (@HelenDHays) August 3, 2024
“We’re a Sunderland based business who do huge amounts for the local community, dedicate nearly £1m a year to charities across the UK, we’re taking on more than 500 apprentices. Why?”
She added: “Nothing comes from hate but more hate. Violence helps absolutely no one. Go home”
Hays Travel chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston said: “Hays Travel Vine Place had its windows broken on Saturday evening – thankfully no one was hurt, and the damage will be repaired for business as usual on Monday.
“Our thanks go to Northumbria Police who were at the scene quickly and have been visible and supportive.”
Meanwhile, trouble flared outside a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, which has been used to house asylum seekers, as missiles were thrown at police and a bin fire was started next to the building, which was then entered by a number of people wearing balaclavas, the BBC reported.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend. This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery.”
Photo: @HelenDHays on X