Police are offering reassurance to the public ahead of potential planned protest activity in the region, including in Newcastle later today (Saturday, August 10).

The Northumbria force has cancelled police leave and implemented a number of legal powers to maintain public safety and ensure a busy Saturday in the city proceeds unhindered.

Among events taking place in the city is the continuing Sela “weekender” football mini-tournament at St James’ Park, today featuring Newcastle United facing French side Brest.

Police said public order safety acts are in place, giving Northumbria Police officers enhanced stop and search capabilities, “of persons and vehicles for weapons and dangerous instruments”.

(Image: Northumbria Police)

The legal authority extends to requiring the removal of items wholly or mainly used to conceal a person’s identity, such as face coverings.

This will be in place across Newcastle, while under the Public Order Act officers can impose directions on anyone organising or taking part in an assembly where there is a reasonable belief that it may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property, or serious disruption to the life of the community.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, police have dispersal order powers, enabling officers to move on anyone in designated areas of the city.

Police can disperse people if officers believe their behaviour contributes to, or is likely to contribute to members of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed, or distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder taking place.

(Image: Northumbria Police)

Ahead of the weekend activities, Chief Superintendent Steve Wykes, of Northumbria Police, said he wanted to offer words of reassurance to the public.

He said: “We are aware of potential protest activity to take place in our region today.

“The right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, however, we will not accept people using them as a means to commit crime.

“A robust policing presence has been stood up.

“Officer rest days have been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe.

“We have incredibly close-knit communities.

“This is just one of the reasons which makes our region such a special place to live, work and visit.

“We know there will be members of the community who are feeling frightened and marginalised at this time.

“We are here for you, and we are committed to keeping you safe.

“These criminals do not speak for our communities.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

“As you will have seen, a number of arrests have been made and people have been swiftly convicted and now sentenced following the disorder in Sunderland last week.

“This should act as a warning to anyone with the intention of causing any further disorder, you will face the full force of the law.

“You are not welcome in our region.”

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Anyone who has any information should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function on the force’s website.

Alternatively, for those unable to contact police online, they can call 101.

Members of the public can also provide information and submit materials in connection with the investigation into the disorder in Sunderland on Friday, August 2, by visiting Northumbria Police’s dedicated Major Incident Public Portal online at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk).