Forty-three people have been arrested after scenes of violent disorder in Middlesbrough, police said.

It came as a hundreds-strong mob reigned terror on the streets on Sunday (August 4) afternoon.

It is the third time in five days the North East has witnessed incomprehensible violence on the streets.

(Image: MICHAEL ROBINSON)

A car was overturned and burned, missiles thrown at police and property severely damaged.

On one street most cars appeared to have had their windows put in.

Officers with riot shields hold back the mob.Officers with riot shields hold back the mob. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Burning wheelie bins were pushed at a line of police officers with riot shield, leaving the road strewn with smoking rubbish.

Teesside Crown Court, the University and a number of properties in the Parliament Road area were all left with “significant damage”.

Cleveland Police confirmed that disorder had come to an end shortly before 1.30am on Monday, more than 11 hours after it began.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The force added that 43 people had been taken into custody, and that a full investigation has been launched.

A spokesperson said: “A policing presence will remain in the town throughout the night and into tomorrow and the coming days, to provide reassurance and be on hand to respond to any concerns from the public.”

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Middlesbrough will, on Monday morning, begin rebuilding as volunteers are expected to gather from 8am armed with brushes, bin bags and litter pickers to clear debris from the streets.

Cleveland Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: “The level of violence we have seen today is staggering. We know the shocking scenes across Middlesbrough today will have caused alarm amongst communities.

“I want to reassure the people of Teesside that we will continue to identify those involved in these acts of violence and arrest them and put them before the courts.”

Twenty people have now been arrested following disorder in Hartlepool on Wednesday (July 31).

Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: "The violence and criminality in Middlesbrough on Sunday has been appalling and we will not tolerate it.


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"Cleveland Police has again been outstanding in its response to the violent disorder, with our dedicated officers putting themselves in harm's way to protect the public and apprehend those responsible for this mindless behaviour.

"These people do not represent Middlesbrough. They are thugs who are intent on causing violent disorder, harm and fear in our communities.

"Their message of hate and division will fail. Now, more than ever we will come together across Cleveland to unite in a spirit of solidarity and togetherness.

"Our diversity is our strength and we will prevail."