Sunderland experienced significant unrest on Friday night as rioters clashed with police, resulting in an attack on a police office building and the ignition of nearby property.
According to Northumbria Police, three officers were hospitalised and eight individuals were arrested during the violence.
The chaos began when rioters threw beer cans and stones at police officers outside a mosque. At least one car was set on fire amid the disorder.
The unrest in Sunderland, and similar disturbances in other English towns and cities, follows the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport earlier this week.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police described the violence as “serious and sustained,” condemning the actions as “utterly deplorable.” A full investigation is underway to identify those responsible, with Barron emphasizing that such criminal behavior would not be tolerated.
Of the three injured officers, one has been discharged from the hospital, while the other two remain for further treatment. Some members of the crowd were heard shouting Islamophobic slurs and supporting far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, who has spread false claims about the Southport attacker.
The unrest prompted the deployment of mounted police to Sunderland’s city center. Officers faced beer barrels and chants of “Whose streets? Our streets” from masked demonstrators.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service responded to the fire near the police office, and public transport services, including Sunderland Rail Station and the Omniplex cinema, were halted for safety reasons. Residents reported hearing police helicopters into the early hours.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness condemned the violence, stating, “If your response to tragedy is to commit violence and attack the police, you stand for nothing except thuggery.” Sunderland AFC also denounced the violence, emphasising the city’s commitment to togetherness and acceptance.
Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson voiced full support for the police, while a group of around 200 anti-racist protesters gathered outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool, countering rumors of a far-right protest there.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson announced that additional prosecutors have been deployed to handle the surge in disorder cases, ensuring swift justice.
In response to the violence, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer introduced a national violent disorder program to enhance police intelligence-sharing and clamp down on violent groups. Starmer condemned the “violent disorder, clearly whipped up online,” and vowed to take all necessary actions to ensure public safety.
It was reported that at least 30 far-right demonstrations are planned across the UK over the weekend, including a new protest in Southport.
Chioma Kalu
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