Police Investigating Incident at Westhill Accommodation One Person Hospitalised, 4 Fourth Arrest Made
Police have arrested a fourth man following an alleged stabbing at an asylum seeker hotel in Aberdeenshire. The incident, which unfolded at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Westhill on Friday morning, left a 26 year old asylum seeker with facial injuries and led to the recovery of a weapon from the scene.
Three men were detained shortly after the alleged attack, which involved a group of hotel residents. Officers have now confirmed a fourth man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Police confirm arrests and reassure public
A Police Scotland spokesperson said:
“Officers were called to a premises in the Gordon Park area of Westhill, Aberdeenshire, at around 10.45am on Friday November 28, following a report of an assault. A 26 year old man was assaulted by a group of men and suffered a facial injury as a result. A weapon has been recovered from the scene.
“Four men have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. The incident is believed to be contained and there is no wider risk to the public.”
Reporter Chris Cromar attended the scene on Friday for an exclusive account of the developing situation.
Home Office condemns attack as ‘horrific’
The Home Office has described the alleged assault as “horrific” and emphasised that violence in asylum accommodation will not be tolerated.
A spokesperson said:
“This is a horrific incident and our thoughts go out to those affected. Violence in asylum seeker accommodation is not acceptable and any perpetrators will face the full force of the law. The safety and wellbeing of all asylum seekers remain a priority for the Home Office, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the support and protection they need.”
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Hotel at centre of ongoing accommodation challenges
The Hampton by Hilton Hotel has been used to house asylum seekers since 2023. At one point in June, more than 300 people were living at the site before some were relocated to Farmers Hall in Rosemount. Earlier this year, protests were held outside the Westhill hotel, highlighting local tensions surrounding the prolonged use of hotel accommodation for asylum seekers.
The Labour government has pledged to end the use of asylum hotels by 2029. As part of its transition plan, the government recently announced that Cameron Barracks in Inverness will temporarily house hundreds of men in an effort to reduce reliance on hotel placements.
