Residents have been left in fear as they pick up the pieces following a night of violence and unrest left Hartlepool unrecognisable - but how did it all happen?
Missiles, eggs, bricks, and rocks were just some of the items that were thrown at riot police in Hartlepool last night (July 31) as the town erupted into a flurry of violence and chaos.
Since then, multiple people have been arrested and police have promised a full investigation into the unrest.
Here's what happened and a recap of what we know.
What happened?
At around 6pm last night, Cleveland Police said they were made aware of disorder on Murray Street where people were beginning to "throw items".
Pictures from the scene last night showed protestors on Murray Street clashing with police who pushed back in an effort to remain in control.
Rocks were thrown at officers who marched in riot gear, and a police vehicle was later seen alight in the early hours of the morning.
Was anyone arrested?
Cleveland Police have confirmed that they arrested eight people during the disorder. They released the following statement in the early hours of the morning: "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 under way 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.
"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."
What was the reason for the mob?
Police say that they believe the unrest is linked to events in Southport from Monday (July 29), where three young girls lost their lives in a stabbing.
Axel Rudakubana, 17, from Banks in Lancashire, has been charged with the murders of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, 10 counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article following the incident on Monday (July 29).
This was echoed by Salaam Community Centre manager manager Nancy Powt, 37.
She told The Northern Echo: "Yesterday afternoon we were informed that there was going to be a vigil at the cenotaph on Victoria Road to remember the children who died in Southport.
"But, as the day progressed this vigil developed on social media in to a protest and march. The reasons for that march vary depending on what you read on social media."
One witness also reportedly heard people shouting 'Tommy Robinson' and 'save our children'.
The cause of the unrest and why it begun has not yet been confirmed by police who have been asked for comment.
What happens now?
Police are still patrolling the area and a full investigation in to the unrest is now set to take place.
Other groups have hit out as misinformation which they say has wrongly associated the Southport stabbings with Muslims.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says Islamaphobic backlash began with a false rumour on the internet which was then stoked by misinformation from a Russian news site, which wrongfully associated the crime with Muslims.
Recommended:
The group paid tribute to the three young girls killed in Southport on Monday, before condemning “shocking scenes of far-right rioters running amok outside a mosque”.
MCB secretary-general Zara Mohammed said: “At a time of great tragedy, loss, and mourning, we must stand firm against the cynical forces of hatred and division. This does not represent our diverse Britain and the people of Southport.
“The Government must address the increasing rise of violent far-right extremism targeting Muslim communities. More must be done to tackle Islamophobia and offer reassurance at this time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel