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”.
Latest: Unrest continues following stabbings
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
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.
More from Sky News:
Southport residents’ message is clear
PM sets out support package
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
‘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.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
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”.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
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.
Related posts:
Wage growth at highest level since 2008 and payrolls show signs of recovery
Scientists to test Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine as a nasal spray
British police officer jailed for four years for belonging to neo-Nazi terror group
Body of 13-year-old boy recovered from river
1921 census released online reveals life in post-World War One Britain
M4 van driver who killed two children and injured their mother after drink and drugs binge is jailed
Police appeal after woman and three dogs killed in Chelsea crash
Five arrested over ‘racially aggravated’ attack on black school pupil outside Surrey college
15-year-old boy admits stabbing teacher in school corridor
Police officers injured and arrests made after ‘completely unacceptable’ violence at FA Cup tie
New details emerge of exchange between police and antisemitism campaigner called ‘openly Jewish’
Hunt for two suspects after man dies in city stabbing
