Eight people were arrested in Sunderland after another night of rioting over the Southport stabbing. The arrests were for violent disorder and burglary. Northumbria police said three officers were hurt and taken to the hospital. One officer was sent home the next morning, The Guardian reported.
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The riots started when a building was set on fire and a car was overturned and burned. Police had a hard time controlling a crowd of several hundred protesters. Some protesters wore balaclavas, while others were wrapped in the England flag. They threw beer cans and stones at the officers.
The fights were especially fierce in the city center and at a mosque on St Mark’s Road. Nick Lowles from the group Hope Not Hate condemned the far-right and racist nature of the protests. He criticized those who excuse such violence.
Early reports mistakenly said a police building was set on fire. Later, it was confirmed that an adjacent building was actually burned. Far-right activists promoted the protests on social media.
These demonstrations are part of several planned across the UK this weekend due to the Southport knife attack. The unrest has been fueled by false information about the suspect’s background and religion.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper vowed that those responsible for the violence would face legal consequences. She assured that the government fully supports the police in taking strong action.
In response to the chaos, extra prosecutors have been brought in to handle potential further disorder. Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions, emphasized that the authorities are ready to act quickly and ensure justice. North East mayor Kim McGuinness also expressed her dismay, condemning the violence and criminal behavior disguised as a protest.
