Looters have been mocked for robbing a shoe shop while declaring they “want their country back”.

Riots spread to Hull yesterday, where far-right gangs attacked police and civilians, set fire to wheelie bins and tyres, smashed in car and house windows and looted high-street shops.

But the looters were roundly mocked on social media, with users questioning why rioters decided to loot and set fire to vape shops and a Shoezone.

One shared a picture of a burning shopfront with the caption: “I see they got their country back. To think it was hiding in a Shoezone all this time…#FarageRiots”

Another shared a meme of Bob Mortimer on the panel of show Would I Lie To You? with the caption: “Once, I looted a ShoeZone in Hull, and then set fire to a foodbank and a library in Liverpool to show how much I care about women and children”.”

Others said: “I take it they urgently needed velcro shoes as they find laces a bit too difficult.” and: “Saving our children, by setting fire to bins. Righto.”

Another video showed the rioters looting a Lush, a Greggs and an O2. They were coming out with hands full of merchandise after smashing up stores.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) said: “Looks like this guy went on a shopping spree yesterday, wasn’t just O2! But, “save the kids” right?

“Lush has donated £7.4 million in charity to 174 countries and they get looted in the UK? Disgusting behaviour.”

There is a “strong and visible police presence” in the city centre today following mass arrests.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: “A total of 20 people have been arrested for various public order offences throughout the afternoon and evening.

“To be clear, this enforcement action is going to continue as we will not tolerate mindless violence and disorder in our city.

“The right to lawful protest is a part of democracy, which my officers upheld, however we will not accept the senseless vandalism, antisocial behaviour and sheer violence that has been brought to our streets.”