A police station has been set on fire and objects thrown at officers on a night of “serious violence” in Sunderland.
Northumbria Police urged the public to avoid the city centre and the North East mayor said she was “appalled” as violent scenes – apparently in response to the Southport stabbings – unfolded on Friday night.
Drivers tooted their horns as vehicles passed a gathering in Keel Square, where police had projectiles thrown at them as they attempted to contain the group of several hundred protesters.
As a helicopter flew overhead, young men threw stones at officers and chanted “whose streets? Our streets”.
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Some of the protesters were draped in England flags and chants in support of Tommy Robinson could be heard.
Other members of the march, which set off from the square just before 7pm, shouted insults about Islam.
Mounted police and officers in vans followed the group as they made their way through the city – and a stand-off later unfolded between police and protesters outside a mosque, where objects were thrown at officers.
Some people complained about “two-tier policing” as officers made a protective ring around the mosque.
Later in the evening, an overturned car was set on fire in the city centre while marchers set off fire extinguishers on police officers.
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‘You don’t speak for Sunderland’
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said she was “appalled” by the scenes. She continued: “Make no mistake, if your response to tragedy is to use it to commit violence, to abuse others, attack the police and damage property you stand for nothing except thuggery.
“It’s not protest. It’s crime and disorder. You don’t speak for Sunderland. You don’t speak for this region.
“Those grieving in Southport will take no comfort from this.”
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Meanwhile, Northumbria Police said their officers had been “subjected to serious violence” and were continuing to deal with “ongoing disorder” at just past 9pm.
“The scenes that we are seeing are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” they added in a post on X. “Ensuring the public’s safety is our utmost priority.”
Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson wrote on X: “Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.”
He added police have his “full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city”.
Friday was the third night of violent protests in English towns this week, following the Southport attack which saw three young girls stabbed to death.
It’s feared the unrest could continue this weekend and Sky News has seen posts on social media promoting more events in cities across the UK over the coming days, including one targeting a mosque.
Counter-protests are also being planned in response to far-right demonstrations.
Source Agencies
