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.
5. Police presence
A police presence still remains in Sunderland city centre on Saturday morning. | North News & Pictures Ltd
6. Sweeping up
People have banded together to clean up the mess. | North News & Pictures Ltd
7. Helping out
A lot of the violence was seen around the city centre's Keel Square area. | North News & Pictures Ltd
8. Destruction
Rioters attacked police, set cars and buildings on fire and looted businesses in Sunderland city centre. | North News & Pictures Ltd