Protesters Set Car Ablaze, Injure Policemen While Demonstrating Over Killings
Eight people were arrested for offences including violent disorder and burglary after a protest in Sunderland escalated into a night of “criminal thuggery.”
The riots broke out in response to the Southport stabbings.
Three police officers were hospitalised after being injured, with two needing further treatment.
Police had projectiles thrown at them while trying to contain several hundred protesters in Keel Square.
Sky News reports that a helicopter flew overhead, young men threw stones at officers and chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets.” Protesters draped in England flags shouted insults about Islam and supported far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
The march started just before 7 pm, leading to a standoff outside a mosque where objects were thrown at police.
Some marchers complained about “two-tier policing” as officers formed a protective ring around the mosque.
Later, an overturned car was set on fire in the city centre, and protesters used fire extinguishers on officers.
In Liverpool, tensions rose as protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside a mosque, leading to a small scuffle. Counter-protesters chanted, “Say it loud, say it clear: Refugees are welcome here.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness condemned the violence, stating, “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 a protest. It’s a crime and disorder. You don’t speak for Sunderland. You don’t speak for this region.”
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron emphasised that the “disorder, violence and damage will not be tolerated,” praising officers’ “unwavering commitment.”
Northumbria Police condemned the violence, highlighting the importance of public safety. Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson asserted that the city isn’t represented by the troublemakers, supporting the police in their efforts to maintain order.
This was the third night of violent protests in English towns and cities following the Southport attack, where three young girls were stabbed to death.
Concerns of continued unrest remain, with social media posts promoting more events across the UK and counter-protests planned in response to far-right demonstrations.
