A Darlington prayer leader has described how the community was left on edge as pockets of violence broke out near a mosque. 

The Imam - who wished to remain anonymous - said he feared of fist fights after large groups gathered near the Jamia Mosque & Islamic Society on Monday. 

He claimed bikes and cars were speeding down the road at 50mph - leaving those outside the mosque both “annoyed and aggravated”.

Sporadic pockets of violence erupted around North Lodge Terrace and Gladstone Street across the evening, with bricks being hurled at officers in the street. 

Officers at the scene of the disorderOfficers at the scene of the disorder (Image: The Northern Echo)

An 18-year-old was later arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and possession of a controlled drug.

He told The Northern Echo: “It was ridiculous. It was children that came - we had to keep people out and also make them calm and understand. 

“We were told that there were going to be some people who were going to come on Monday. A few youngsters got together at 5pm. 

“Prayer time was at 7.30pm and between 5.30pm and 7pm we noticed there were a lot of youngsters in the park in hoodies. 

Police outside the mosque on Tuesday morningPolice outside the mosque on Tuesday morning (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
“We kept an eye out - and people started gathering towards the mosque.” 

He also claimed that several bikers “came through the road going 50mph and 60mph” - reportedly leading to a confrontation after the vehicle was stopped. 

“It was about to go into a fistfight,” he admitted. “We managed to pull most people back.” 

Following prayer, the community outside the mosque - which was made up of both Muslims and non-Muslims from the area - “kept distance”. 

“Police came and then it was mostly ok, even towards the end,” he explained. “We were all completely ok with the police, we had banter with them.” 

The Imam said youngsters did continue to “aggravate” - but the group stood its ground outside the mosque and continued with attempts to maintain calm.

He said: “We were happy there were no physical clashes. When your blood is boiling, everyone wants it, but the aftermath is always dreadful. The police were incredible.”

 

‘Those who take part in thuggery will face arrest'

Darlington MP Lola McEvoy visited the scene of the incident on Tuesday morning, speaking to police officers stationed outside the mosque and other nearby residents. 

She slammed the behaviour, saying violence and intimidation "will not be tolerated in our town and those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law."

Lola McEvoyLola McEvoy (Image: Stuart Boulton)

She said: "I have been in regular contact with Durham Constabulary through the night and this morning, and want to commend them for their incredibly swift and professional response to keep people safe.

"I am relieved we didn't see the sort of escalation of violence we’ve seen elsewhere in the country.

"Darlington is a warm-hearted town that has long embraced people from many backgrounds and faiths, including our Muslim community. That will not change. Everyone who lives here must be allowed to live their lives happily and in peace.

"I want to reassure people that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated in our town and those responsible can expect to face the full force of the law. As the Prime Minister said, those who take part in thuggery will face arrest, remand, charges and prison.

"Our police showed last night that they are well-equipped to handle any situation. To further ensure public safety, officers in the area have been given enhanced stop and search powers and authority to order the removal of face coverings like balaclavas which are intended to disguise people’s appearance.

"Please call 101 if you saw anything last night that you want to report to police, or if you have any suspicions at all about people trying to whip up this sort of trouble."

Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen, from Durham Constabulary, added: “What we have been dealing with tonight in Darlington has been sporadic pockets of violent disorder involving groups of people intent on causing serious harm to our communities and their property.

“We deployed a number of officers to the scene who worked throughout the night to disperse those involved.

“We were supported by officers from Cleveland and Northumbria Police and were assisted by our partners at the fire and ambulance service at the scene, for which I am grateful.

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“We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities. If you were there committing criminal acts, we will do everything in our power to find you and deal with you robustly.”

"If you have any information that could assist in identifying those responsible for this disorder, please contact us on 101, or use the live chat function on our website."

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-org.uk