Destructive behavior escalated in Sunderland with the setting ablaze of a police station and hurling of items at law enforcement officers during a night of intense violence.
Urging the public to steer clear of the city center, Northumbria Police witnessed the unfolding of violent confrontations on Friday night, triggering shock from the North East mayor following scenes of unrest – seemingly linked to the Southport stabbings.
Motorists honked their horns while driving past a crowd in Keel Square, where police faced objects being thrown at them by a gathering of hundreds of protestors.
Amidst the buzzing helicopter overhead, young individuals hurled rocks at officers and chanted “Whose streets? Our streets”.
Latest updates: Unrest persists post-stabbings
For better accessibility, please use the Chrome browser to view the video
Car ignited and overturned during Sunderland riot
Some protestors draped themselves in England flags, echoing chants in support of Tommy Robinson.
Within the march crowd that originated from the square just before 7 pm, other participants voiced derogatory remarks about Islam.
Accompanied by mounted police and officers in vans, the group moved through the city, leading to a face-off between the police and protestors outside a mosque where objects were hurled at the officers.
Cries regarding “disparate policing” emerged as officers formed a protective circle around the mosque.
Later into the night, a flipped car in the city center was set alight while marchers discharged fire extinguishers towards law enforcement officers.
Further from Sky News:
Clear message from Southport residents
PM announces support package
Stay informed on the latest news from the UK and worldwide by following Sky News
‘Representing Sunderland Not’
The North East Mayor Kim McGuinness conveyed her dismay over the events, stating, “If your response to a tragedy involves committing violence, harassing others, assaulting law enforcement, and damaging property, you embody nothing but hooliganism.
“This isn’t a form of protest. It’s purely criminal behavior and disorder. You do not speak for Sunderland. Nor do you speak for this locality.
“Those mourning in Southport will derive no solace from such actions.”
For optimal video playback, please use the Chrome browser
Southport community unites after assaults
In the meantime, Northumbria Police reported that their officers had faced “severe violence” and were still handling “ongoing chaos” just after 9pm.
“The scenes we are witnessing are entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” they stated in a message on X. “Ensuring the public’s safety is our top priority.”
Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central, Lewis Atkinson, expressed on X: “Our city is not defined by a small troublemaking minority.”
He further stated that the police have his “full backing as they combat criminal violence and strive to safeguard all our city’s communities”.
Friday marked the third night of violent demonstrations in English towns this week, following the Southport incident where three young girls were fatally stabbed.
There are concerns that the turmoil could extend into the weekend, with Sky News observing social media posts promoting further gatherings in cities across the UK in the days ahead, including one aimed at a mosque.
Counter-protests are also being organized in response to far-right demonstrations.
