fbpx
Connect with us

Championship

Sunderland issues statement condemning ‘shameful’ riot in the city as footage emerges

Sunderland issues a statement condemning the ‘shameful’ riot which took place in the city on Friday night as footage emerges online.

This is the latest episode of unrest to break out in towns and cities across England after the killing of three young girls during a knife attack in Southport on Monday.

Rioters targeted a mosque with as police forming a human shield. A police station was also set on fire to, with three police officers left injured and a total of eight arrests.

The unrest also saw beer cans and bricks were thrown at police, shops looted, cars being overturned, a taxi set on fire and the street being covered in leftover damage and smashed glass.

One topless man is heard saying: ‘This time in your own f***ing country if you’re ashamed to be f***ing white and be an Englishman… f*** off.’

Some of the those in the crowd shouted Islamophobic slurs and chanted in support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Other forms of media show a man in a Sunderland shirt wearing a balaclava.

The Championship outfit tweeted at just before half 11 at night: “Tonight’s shameful scenes do not represent our culture, our history, or our people. Our great city is built on togetherness and acceptance, and Sunderland will forever be for all. We are stronger as one community. Now. Then. Always. ❤️🤍”

Police have condemned the violence and disorder witnessed in Sunderland.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumbria Police, who led the policing operation, spoke out on the rioting.

“The shocking scenes we have witnessed in Sunderland this evening are completely unacceptable.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the disorder, violence and damage which has occurred will not be tolerated.

“The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware that a protest had been planned, we ensured there was an increased policing presence in the city.

“During the course of the evening those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable.

“In the face of these attacks, they showed unwavering commitment for which I wholeheartedly thank them, as I am certain the overwhelming majority of people in Sunderland will also.

“We can confirm that three officers were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.

“One has since been discharged with the other two remaining in hospital for further treatment.

“We also thank our partners for the significant support they have shown throughout the evening.

“Anyone involved in the disorder we have seen can expect to be dealt with robustly – and that action has already begun.

“Eight people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including violent disorder and burglary.

“A full investigation is now under way to identify anyone else responsible.

“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which the police uphold. However, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.

“We want to be clear anyone planning to involve themselves in disorder in the future should stay at home.

“We also know the behaviour displayed is in no way representative of our friendly and welcoming region.

“We therefore want to deliver a further message direct to our communities – we are aware that the actions we have seen this evening can be an attempt to drive division amongst us all and we are committed to making sure that does not happen.

“We have incredibly cohesive communities here which we are proud to be a part of and to serve.

“This is just one of the reasons which makes our region such a special place to live, work and visit. We are stronger together.”

Anyone who has any concerns following today’s events or information to assist identifying those responsible for the unacceptable behaviour, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function on the Force’s website.

Alternatively, if you are unable to contact us via these ways, call 101.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I’m appalled by scenes from Sunderland.

“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.”

Northumbria Police’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, posted a statement on social media, saying she is “absolutely appalled” by the events on Wearside.

She wrote via Instagram: “It’s absolutely right that those responsible for this criminal activity face the full force of the law. Using the pretence of speaking for the grieving families in Southport is sickening, and doesn’t mask the criminality of these shameful behaviours.

“Let’s be absolutely clear, violence and disorder do not represent Sunderland or belong in our communities and never will.”

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said the scenes were “criminal thuggery”.

In a post on Twitter, he said: “I am appalled by the disorder in the centre of Sunderland tonight.

“Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.

“Northumbria Police have my full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city.

“Tomorrow the people of Sunderland will come together and continue to build the bright future that we have – a future where every community of our city feels safe and prospers.”

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Championship