Dozens of riot police have been dealing with large-scale unrest in Hartlepool town centre this evening with a number of officers injured as crowds hurled bricks and missiles at them.

Roads were closed off as crowds of men, women and youths pushed and shoved police lines with several arrests were made in running battles that lasted several hours.

Reports of unrest began circulating on social media as police converged on the town shortly after 6pm. (Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Police tweeted at 7.40pm: “We're currently responding to a protest involving a large number of people in the town centre.

Keep up to date on this incident by following our live blog here.

"Please be aware that Murray Street from Sherriff Street to Grange Road is currently closed."

Footage was seen social media of police with dogs in Hartlepool. Later a live stream showed men and youths throwing bricks and missiles at a line of police.

On one occasion a large missile bounced off an officer’s shield a woman picked it up and gave it to a youth to throw again. A metal beam was also thrown at officers One resident at the scene said: "I've never seen anything like it in my life."(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

What looked to be men in balaclavas were hitting the police with huge wooden bats, while waves of protesters are threw themselves against the police ranks.

Cleveland Police said in a statement: "We are dealing with disorder following a protest in Hartlepool that began this evening (Wednesday 31 July).

"At around 6pm those attending the protest began to throw items on Murray Street.(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

"Officers who have been deployed – including support from neighbouring forces – are currently dealing with criminal behaviour including missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them, with several suffering minor injuries.

"At this stage there has been four arrests for various offences including public order and affray and they have been taken to custody.

"There are a number of road closures in and around Murray Street including Sherriff Street, Grange Road, Sandringham Road and Duke Street.(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

"Members of the public are advised to please avoid the area."

Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said: "We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.

“At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.

“Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.(Image: Graeme Hetherington)

“I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area.”

Jill Mortimer, former MP for Hartlepool: "I’m in town at the moment and I’m really concerned about reports of unrest on our streets.

"When the community leaders fail to speak on behalf of the people this is what happens.

"It’s a difficult situation to be in, but I would urge my successor Jonathan Brash MP for Hartlepool to speak up to de-escalate the situation."(Image: Picture: GRAEME HETHERINGTON)

In a statement posted on X, Hartlepool's Labour MP Jonathan Brash said he was "deeply concerned" about the situation and would be meeting with police to discuss their response to the incident.

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He added: "These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer."

If you have information, dash cam or mobile footage relating to the disorder, please call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 145045.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.(Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)