Southport stabbing: Fire breaks out at Sunderland police station during riot

Northumberland Police said officers were subjected to “significant violence” as rioters threw beer kegs and rocks at officers, and a car was overturned and set on fire.

On Gaoxi Street, police officers wearing protective gear came under sustained attack from rioters using fire extinguishers.

The violent scenes occurred around 7pm as protesters marched through the city carrying St George’s Cross flags and chanting songs in memory of Tommy Robinson.

Police said eight people were arrested and three police officers were taken to hospital following the Sunderland riot.

In a statement, Chief Superintendent Helena Barron of Northumberland Police said: “We can confirm that three officers were taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries.

“One of them has been discharged from hospital and the other two are still in hospital for further treatment.

“We are also grateful to our partners for their fantastic support throughout the evening.

“We have found that anyone involved in rioting will be severely punished – and that action has already begun.

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

“A full investigation is currently underway to identify the other individuals responsible.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those fomenting disorder “do not represent Britain”.

She posted on X: “Criminals who attack police officers and create chaos in the streets will pay the price for their violence and brutality.

“Police have the full support of this government and will take the strongest possible action to ensure they are faced with the full force of the law.”

In Liverpool, far-right demonstrators almost clashed with counter-protesters outside the Abdullah Quilliam Society mosque, and riot police were forced to intervene.

About 200 anti-fascist activists responded to the protesters by chanting “Get the Nazi scum off our streets.”

Before the protests broke out, the government introduced Section 60 orders giving police stronger stop and search powers.

The measure was imposed to curb recent violence in Southport, Hartlepool and London, which left more than 50 police officers injured and dozens of protesters arrested.

Police departments across the country are preparing for more than 30 protests that broke out in a dozen cities and towns over the weekend and into next week.

Nottinghamshire Police said they were aware of two protests expected to take place this weekend, adding that there would be an “increased police presence”.

In a statement, police said: “Anyone coming into the city or our communities to cause disorder of any kind will be met with a strong police response.

“This simply cannot be tolerated.”

Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police said they were aware of “the possibility of planned protests” this weekend and that officers would “respond swiftly” if they escalated into violent disorder.

South Yorkshire Police said they were also “aware of planned protests” and that they might “increase police presence across the county”.

In Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was aware of calls for “women and children to block roads” in order to march to the Islamic centre.

Home Secretary Lord Hanson issued a warning to organisers, saying “we will be keeping a close eye on you” to prevent “summer madness” from spreading after a series of violent clashes, while police chiefs said they would not tolerate far-right thugs exploiting the nation’s grief.

The Muslim Council of Britain said on Friday that hundreds of mosques were increasing security and taking protective measures ahead of more planned protests.

There are concerns that Islamic places of worship could be targeted during demonstrations expected over the weekend.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “I am appalled by the scenes in Sunderland. Make no mistake, if your response to tragedy is to exploit it to commit violence, abuse others, attack police officers and damage property then you are supporting nothing but brutality. That is not protest.

“It’s crime and disorder. You don’t speak for Sunderland. You don’t speak for the region.

“The grieving in Southport will not be comforted by this.”