Eight people have been arrested in Sunderland for offences including violent disorder and burglary after a night of rioting and disorder in parts of the UK. Three police officers were injured and a mosque was hit with beer cans and stones.
Far-right protests fueled by misinformation on social media started in Sunderland and several other cities following a knife attack in Southport. The protests led to violent clashes with police and the burning of buildings and overturning of cars.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the violence, stating that criminals attacking the police will face the consequences and the full force of the law. Extra prosecutors were called in to deal with the incidents.
Local leaders including North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson condemned the violence and emphasized that those responsible for the disorder did not represent their communities. Kim McGuinness called on the community to come together to challenge hatred based on people’s identities.
In Liverpool, far-right protesters were outnumbered by anti-fascist groups, with minor scuffles quickly stopped by police. Hope Not Hate reported plans for up to 35 protests across the UK over the weekend under an anti-multiculturalism and anti-Muslim agenda.
The unrest led to the closure of Sunderland Rail Station and affected public services, with businesses like a cinema being forced to close for the safety of the public and staff. Education Secretary and Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson described the violence in Sunderland as shocking and vowed that the criminals involved would be identified and prosecuted.
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