A seventh suspect will appear in court after violent disorder on the streets of Sunderland.

Police are continuing to charge those alleged to have taken part in riots on Friday (August 2).

A 21-year-old man from the Springwell area of Sunderland has been charged with violent disorder and two counts of possessing Class A drugs.

He will appear before South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Tuesday (August 6) morning.

It comes after three people, 43-year-old Leanne Hodgson, 29-year-old Josh Kellett and 41-year-old Andrew Smith were all convicted of violent disorder offences before the same court on Monday (August 5).

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT), said: “Every community across Northumbria will have been affected in some way by the appalling scenes witnessed on Friday evening.

“I would like to reassure the public that a comprehensive investigation is well underway as we look to identify those responsible and ensure they are faced with the full force of the law.

“Today, a seventh suspect will appear before the courts charged in relation to the disorder – and our investigative efforts will continue throughout the coming days and weeks. So far, we have arrested 16 people as part of our enquiries and further activity is planned.


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“We will not tolerate the behaviour seen in Sunderland city centre on Friday. If you were involved in the violent scenes, it may well be your door that we turn up to next.

“As a Force, we are prepared to use every tactic available to us to ensure those involved have their day in court.

“I would like to thank the wider public for coming together to support each other in recent days – showing the true community spirit that Northumbria is known for.”