Pictures capture a shocking night of unrest in Hartlepool as eight people have been arrested.

Roads were closed off as crowds of men, women and youths pushed and shoved lines of riot police in the town centre.

Reports of disorder began circulating on social media as police converged on the town shortly after 6pm.

(Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

(Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Crowds gathered in the town where they were met by police in full riot gear including shields.

Officers with dogs were seen pushing back against the crowds while some rioters hurled missiles including bricks, wood, glass bottles and rubble at officers.

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“Several” officers were injured during the incident and had to receive hospital treatment, the Cleveland Police Federation confirmed.

The Teesside force confirmed eight people were arrested in relation to public order offences, with further arrests expected.

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

A spokesperson said: “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.”

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

The unrest has been widely condemned including by the town’s MP Jonathan Brash. Speaking on Thursday (August 1) morning he said there was “no excuse” for the behaviour of rioters, adding: “This isn’t who we are, this doesn’t represent the vast, vast majority of us.

"Please come together like Hartlepool people do, stay calm, stand up against this behaviour.”

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(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)