A man has been jailed for a year after launching a missile during violent disorder in Darlington.

Ashkan Kareem was captured on CCTV throwing an object towards a group of people in Darlington last Monday evening (August 5) while protecting a mosque. 

It came after dozens of police officers were deployed to North Lodge Park after two large groups of mostly males had gathered, resulting in what was described as "small pockets of serious violence".

Kareem, of Grey Street, Bishop Auckland, turned himself in to police on Monday after seeing his picture posted in a police social media appeal.

Ashkan KareemAshkan Kareem (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

He was arrested and later charged with violent disorder, which he admitted in court.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, (August 16), Kareem was jailed for a year.  

Chief Inspector Victoria Cubby, of Durham Constabulary, said: “We have a team of detectives who are investigating the atrocious scenes in Darlington last week and are continuing to identify suspects and make arrests.

Police in DarlingtonPolice in Darlington (Image: Picture: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“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.

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“I’d like to thank those people who have come forward with information that has assisted our investigation. If you have information that could help and haven’t yet spoken to us – please, get in touch.”

Call Durham Constabulary on 101, or use the live chat function on our website.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or here.