Sunderland condemned “shameful” scenes of dysfunction within the metropolis middle on Friday night time after rioters clashed with police following a deliberate protest linked to a knife assault in Southport.
Northumbria Police stated eight folks have been arrested and three cops have been taken to hospital following the disturbance.
In a put up on X, Sunderland condemned the violence and stated the town “will all the time belong to everybody”.
The membership stated: “Tonight’s disgraceful scenes don’t characterize our tradition, our historical past or our folks.
“Our nice metropolis was constructed on unity and inclusion and Sunderland will all the time work for everybody. We’re stronger as a neighborhood. Now, later and all the time.”
Lots of of individuals gathered in Keel Sq., many draped in England flags, with some chanting slogans in assist of Tommy Robinson and others shouting insults about Islam.
Mounted police adopted the march, and police in vans struggled to maintain up by way of site visitors.
Nonetheless, some protesters acted violently, setting an overturned automotive on fireplace, and a few focused a mosque.
Footage posted on social media appeared to indicate a fireplace on the metropolis middle police station, which was marked as completely closed on Google Maps and not seems within the police station finder on the Northumbria Police web site.
Police carrying protecting gear got here underneath sustained assault on Excessive West Avenue by rioters who detonated fireplace extinguishers at them.
There was additionally a confrontation between police and protesters outdoors a mosque in St Mark’s Street, Sunderland.
Police in riot gear have been attacked with rocks and beer cans thrown at them.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron stated in a press release: “Anybody we see concerned on this dysfunction might be handled severely – and motion has already begun.
“Eight folks have been arrested thus far for a spread of offenses together with violent dysfunction and housebreaking.
“A complete investigation is at present underway to determine different individuals accountable.
“I need to make it clear that we’ll not tolerate the rioting, violence and destruction that occurred.”
