Two boys have been arrested for violent disorder after unrest in Hartlepool earlier this week.

The pair, aged 11 and 14, are currently in custody facing questioning. 

This follows a wave of arrests earlier this week as the police crack down on offenders from Wednesday evening (July 31).

During the violence, which involved about 150 people, four police officers suffered minor injuries.

Cleveland Police will maintain a visible presence in the area to reassure and protect the community.

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton previously said: “This is very much a live investigation and we are continuing to work to identify those involved in the disorder yesterday evening and bring them to justice.

“Disorder of this kind will not be tolerated and those found to be involved will be robustly dealt with.”

Speaking outside Hartlepool Police Station on Thursday afternoon, Chief Constable Mark Webster said the events in the town were “mindless thuggery” and that experienced officers had never seen such disorder there before.

Asked what the motivation was for the disorder, he said: “There is an opportunity to go out and damage things, and just exhibit a bit of violence.

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“I don’t think there is a principle at stake, this was not a legitimate protest or demonstration.

“I think there is some mindless thuggery and that’s why we are being really proactive to go out and arrest people.

“There’s no excuse for last night.”