One of the region’s most senior police officers has spoken of the harrowing scenes young officers faced as an angry racist mob took to the streets of Darlington.
Bricks were thrown at police after a group of 30 people gathered on Gladstone Street and chanted far right abuse at Muslims trying to protect their place of worship.
Cole Stewart, 18, was jailed for 18 months his part in the disorder at Teesside Crown Court on Monday.
Durham Constabulary’s Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “The level of hatred displayed by those threatening violence to both the local community and my officers was of an unprecedented level.
“Many of our officers are very young in service and while carrying out their duties of protecting the public, were ferociously attacked with missiles, including bricks, rubble, and glass bottles.
“Some missiles made contact with our officers. However, fortunately no long-term injuries were sustained. We are yet to understand the longer-term psychological effects of this traumatic experience upon officers’ health and wellbeing.”
News of the demonstrations spread on social media and came after days of race-related unrest on Teesside and Wearside following the murder of three young girls in Southport.
Enquiries into the Darlington disorder remain ongoing, and officers expect to make further arrests in the coming days and weeks.
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Ms Bacon added: “Neighbourhood officers report that the local community is still traumatised by the events of Monday night, with businesses concerned about potential damage to their premises as well as the safety of their families.
“As we have previously said, we will not tolerate criminality and violent disorder in our communities.
“I reiterate to anybody who commits these types of acts, we will tirelessly look for you and deal with you robustly.
“Our investigation into Monday’s disorder remains ongoing, and we will strive for justice on behalf of our communities - they do not deserve to be intimidated by this behaviour.”
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