Violent scenes in Hartlepool have been widely condemned by local leaders amid calls for calm and order.
Politicians responded to violent scenes in Hartlepool last night saying there was “no excuse” for the actions of rioters while the town’s MP Jonathan Brash said, “this isn’t who we are”.
Meanwhile Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey slammed those involved for jumping on the Southport killings as an "excuse for mindless disorder".
Mr Brash, MP for Hartlepool, said: “It’s appalling to see this happening in our town, these people don’t represent the values of Hartlepool people.
“I reiterate to Hartlepool people – 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.
“I’ve been speaking to businesses who’ve had their windows smashed, cars burnt out, it’s a terrible scene.
“I’d like to say thank you to the police for the work they did last night to bring back civil order as they continue to do that over the coming days.”
In a direct message to rioters, he added: “Frankly you have no excuse for your behaviour. There is no justification for what happened last night. Nothing you can say will convince anybody in this town that what you did was right.
“Police are investigating and arrests are going to be made, and people who have been perpetrating these sorts of crime will be arrested and they will be sentenced to the full extent of the law.
“My message to them is, ‘stop’.”
Police previously said they believed the unrest was linked to incidents in Southport this week with riots following a knife attack on Monday (July 29) which claimed the lives of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
Seventeen-year-old Axel Rudakubana, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court at lunchtime charged with the murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and ten counts of attempted murder. He was remanded in a youth detention centre and will face a plea hearing on October 25. The teenager was named for the first time after a judge overturned automatic reporting restrictions preventing him from being identified. Rudakubana is due to turn 18 on Wednesday (August 7), when the automatic restriction would have expired.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “What happened in Southport was truly sickening and I am heartbroken for all of the families involved. I cannot imagine their pain and my thoughts are with them.
“We now need to let justice take its course and I hope this is swift and strong for the sake of the victim’s families.
“This is what people need to allow the authorities to work towards, and creating further problems on our streets does nothing to aid this.
“I condemn the violence seen in the strongest terms and we need people in Hartlepool to step back and come together in what has been a deeply troubling week for our country
“I also want to place on record my thanks the brave police men and women who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe.”
Several officers were left needing hospital treatment for injuries sustained policing the disorder.
Paul Crowley, chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, said: "Police officers should never have to face such brutality, and every officer deserves to go home safely to their families without fear of suffering serious injury or worse.
"I condemn these disgraceful acts of mindless violence, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. "
Meanwhile Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey praised bravery of officers while slamming rioters for jumping on the Southport tragedies as an "excuse for mindless disorder".
Mr Storey added: "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.
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“As PCC 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.”
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