Detectives say they will continue to “relentlessly pursue” rioters following outbreaks of unrest across the North East. 

Violent unrest broke out on the streets of Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, and Darlington in recent weeks following the tragic deaths of three children in Southport. 

Trouble flared and riots ensued - leaving businesses damaged, homes smashed, and communities “traumatised”. 

Police forces across the region have committed to bring those who took part in riots to justice - and a swathe of arrests have since taken place. 

On Friday, Ashkan Kareem, 33, was jailed for a year after throwing a missile during violent disorder in Darlington. 

Kareem, of Grey Street, Bishop Auckland, was captured on CCTV throwing an object towards a group of people in Darlington last Monday while protecting a mosque.

Meanwhile, Darlington man Mujmain Uddin appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with assault, violent disorder, and possessing an offensive weapon, following disorder in Darlington last week. 

Police in Darlington following disorderPolice in Darlington following disorder (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The 21-year-old, of Greenbank Road, was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, which will take place at Teesside Crown Court on August 20. 

At Newcastle Crown Court, Paul Williams, 45, was jailed for two years and two months by a judge who heard how he threw metal fencing and a can of beer at police after goading officers during riots in Sunderland. 

Williams, of Esdale, Sunderland, was found to be at the “forefront” of an “orgy of mindless destruction, violence and disorder”.

Also on Friday, Kieran Usher, from Sunderland, was named as the second suspect charged with riot in connection with disorder in the town. 

This followed the charging of a 15-year-old boy with riot - a more serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison – on Thursday. 

Usher, 32, was remanded in custody at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court until his next court appearance, which will take place at Newcastle Crown Court on August 23. 

Disorder in SunderlandDisorder in Sunderland (Image: DANIEL HORDON)

The teenager appeared in court on Thursday and his case was adjourned.

The sentencing hearing of a 33-year-old man in relation to disorder in Sunderland has also been adjourned this week while prosecutors consider whether he should face a riot charge.

Liam Doeg, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, admitted violent disorder and burglary before magistrates in South Shields last week and was to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court.

However, Judge Paul Sloan KC agreed to a prosecution application to adjourn the matter while consideration is given to charging the defendant with riot.

Meanwhile, on Teesside, four men have been jailed for their part in the disorder in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, including Noman Ahmed, 24, from Middlesbrough, Jonathan Ambrose, 33, from Middlesbrough, and Ben Judge, 28, from Hartlepool. 

A burnt out car in MiddlesbroughA burnt out car in Middlesbrough (Image: MICHAEL ROBINSON)

Aaron Bradshaw, 28, from Hartlepool, who “played a significant role” in the disorder in Hartlepool, was also sentenced to 32 months. 

Cleveland Police Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Robinson, who is leading the investigation into the incident in Middlesbrough, said: “We will continue to relentlessly pursue those suspected of causing serious violence and disorder in Middlesbrough.


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“A number of people have been arrested, charged and sentenced and our investigation continues. We have now released further images of people we’d like to speak to.

“I’d like to thank the community for their support and for all the information they have provided us so far. Please continue to submit information to us.

“If you recognise any of the people in the photographs below or similarly if you see yourself, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”