A huge clean-up operation is underway following a night of violent disorder in Sunderland city centre.
A “peaceful protest” was organised to take place in the city centre’s Keel Square on Friday, July 2 - however, things quickly turned sour as thugs set a car on fire, launched attacks towards police officers, broke into and torched a police office and took aim at the Masjid e Anwaar e Madinaa mosque.
Similar scenes have been seen across the country this week in the wake of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, being stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on Monday (July 29).
Northumbria Police have confirmed that eight people have been arrested so far in connection with last night’s riot in Sunderland.
Kate Osborne, the MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East has condemned those who took part in the disorder.
1. Sunderland clean up
Members of the public have pulled together to clean up Sunderland following riots in the city centre. | North News & Pictures Ltd
2. Pulling together
The local community has come together to clean up following a night of riots. | North News & Pictures Ltd
3. The aftermath
The burnt out shell of Sunderland Central Police Station this morning (Saturday, August 3) after the building was set on fire by rioters during violent protests. | North News & Pictures Ltd Photo: NNP
4. Cleaning up
A clean up was organised via social media on Friday evening (August 2). | North News & Pictures Ltd