Plea for calm across North East in wake of Hartlepool riots

Would-be rioters have been warned they’ll “face the full force of the law” amid the prospect of dozens of protests in the coming days.

It’s understood gatherings are planned in Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough, and elsewhere in the country.

The knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on Monday which left three girls dead sparked violent disorder in Southport, and Hartlepool on Wednesday (July 31).

A police car was torched in Hartlepool during riots on Wednesday (July 31). (Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said the Teesside force was aware of a potential protest, and warned anyone intent on causing violence it will not be tolerated.

He said: “We are aware of planned activity over the weekend and there is a proportionate policing operation in place.

“We are working closely with the local authority, other agencies and key community members, and liaising with the protest organisers to ensure the response plans prioritise the safety of all those involved.

“My message to anyone intent on causing disruption in Teesside this weekend, is that this will simply not be tolerated.

Would-be rioters have been warned they’ll “face the full force of the law” amid the prospect of dozens of protests in the coming days. (Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“Cleveland Police will not accept any of our communities be made to feel intimidated or fearful by the behaviour of those simply wanting to conduct mindless violence.”

It comes as Muslim leaders said mosques were strengthening security amid fears they could be targeted.

Imam Saleh, of Darlington Jamia Mosque and Islamic Society, told the Echo: “The main concept of all this is a lack of knowledge. It’s all about education and learning.

“Some of our leaders incite hate and are making it worse. The stabbing in Southport – he wasn’t a Muslim.

“It makes you angry seeing what’s happened.”

Muslim Council of Britain secretary-general Zara Mohammed said: “It sounds like far-right thugs and mobs are going to seek to intimidate congregations and mosques.”

Meanwhile Jarrow and Gateshead East MP Kate Osborne tweeted: “Disappointing to see the Southport tragedy being used by far right as an excuse for violence.

“Our Prime Minister is taking action against these groups, and he is right to call them a tiny, mindless minority.

“Those [attending any planned protest] should remember they will face [the] full force of the law.”

Recommended reading:

• Man sobs in court as two plead guilty to violent disorder in Hartlepool
• 'What I witnessed on the night of the Hartlepool riot will live long in the memory'
• Fundraiser for butchers smashed up in Hartlepool unrest month after 70th anniversary

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On Thursday Judge Andrew Menary lifted an anonymity order banning Southport murder-accused Axel Rudakubana from being named, saying: “The idiotic rioting going on at the moment is, in part, fed by the nonsense online that feeds on the vacuum.

“By continuing to prevent full reporting at this stage has the disadvantage of allowing others who are up to mischief to continue to spread misinformation in a vacuum and runs the risk that when the information becomes publicly available in six days’ time that will provide additional excuse for a fresh round of public disorder.”

Misinformation on social media in the wake of the Southport tragedy including false names circulating and incorrect claims the alleged attacker was Muslim have been blamed for sparking unrest.