Several arrests made after police car set alight and officers injured in Hartlepool disorder
Eight people have been arrested following disorder in Hartlepool.
Riot police were called in to help to disperse crowds as pockets of unrest broke out in the town on Wednesday 31 July.
Officers were repeatedly pelted with bricks and bottles and a police car was set alight. The fire destroyed the vehicle which had been parked in Dent Street, with a loud bang heard as the fuel tank went up in flames.
Unrest broke out as similar scenes of violence were seen in London and Manchester overnight while a demonstration in Aldershot saw a tense stand-off with riot police.
It marked the second night of disorder following the mass stabbing of children at a dance class in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Matt Storey condemned the violence on Thursday afternoon.
He said: "The appalling scenes last night in Hartlepool were totally unacceptable and I would like to thank Cleveland Police officers and staff for how they handled the incident and their bravery in what was a very dangerous situation.
“Those responsible for last night's offences must face the full force of the law and be held accountable for their actions.
“For people to use a tragedy as an excuse for mindless disorder is unacceptable. These individuals do not represent the people of Cleveland and their message of violence does not reflect the communities of Hartlepool."
Cleveland Police said the disorder began around 6pm on Wednesday evening with officers deployed - supported by neighbouring forces.
Missiles, glass bottles and eggs were thrown at officers - with several suffering minor injuries.
Videos on social media show a crowd of people in a street, with another apparently capturing a youth throwing objects at a line of police in riot gear holding shields.
Cleveland Police vowed to keep a visible presence on the ground saying it understands events will have been hugely concerning.
Police continue to investigate and more arrests are expected in the coming days.
Mr Storey added: “As Police and Crime Commissioner I reject any and all prejudice and discrimination. Violence and fear will never be stronger than the solidarity of the people of Cleveland.
“I understand from the Chief Constable that additional community reassurance patrols will be undertaken and any further disorder will be swiftly dealt with.
“I’m pleased to see the communities affected have already come together to raise funds, rebuild and recover from last night’s disorder. That’s the spirit of the Hartlepool I know.”
The town's Labour MP Jonathan Brash released a short statement on social media in response to protests in Hartlepool in which urged calm.
He said: "I'm deeply concerned about the situation that is developing in Hartlepool this evening. I will be meeting with police to discuss the response to this incident and would urge calm to allow our emergency services to do their job.
"These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer."
In response to Wednesday's disorder in Hartlepool a Cleveland Police statement, issued in the early hours of Thursday morning, said: "The disorder in Hartlepool has now been ended and all roads are open.
"Eight arrests were made during the evening relating to public order offences.
"A full criminal investigation is underway and we expect further arrests to be made in the coming days.
"We understand that these events will have been hugely concerning to our communities and we want to reassure people that the actions of those involved will be dealt with to bring those responsible to justice.
"In the meantime, there will remain a visible police presence in the area."
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