Responses to violent disorder during the summer cost two North East police forces more than £2.2 million in additional staffing and damages, The Northern Echo can reveal.

The violence, described as "shocking and completely unacceptable" by one police force, cost Cleveland Police over £100,000.

Meanwhile, Northumbria Police were hit with a bill of over £1m for staffing costs, after what one MP branded as "far-right thuggery."

Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request to Northumbria and Cleveland police forces show high costs associated with extra staff needed to tackle the disorder along with a large amount of damage to vehicles.

In July and August, violent disorder broke out across the nation after misinformation about the Southport attacks swept the internet claiming that the attack was carried out by a Muslim asylum seeker who crossed the Channel in a small boat. It manifested in protests that in some cases turned violent, including towards police.

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN) City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy said the revelation is a "reminder that we need to do all we can to combat extremism in our communities."

Both police forces have made claims to the Home Office to help cover the costs associated with the summer's disorder.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO) In Hartlepool, a police car was set ablaze in an alleged arson attack. Cleveland police say that damage to their vehicles totalled £100,764.02. Data from Northumbria and Cleveland shows a high amount of damage to their vehicles totalling a combined £131,364.02.

"The impact of far-right thuggery and violence ripple through communities and services for long after the event, and these figures show the impact it has on our police forces as well," Ms Foy said.

"I'm pleased to hear that financial support may be forthcoming from the Home Office."

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) A Cleveland Police Spokesperson said there would be no impact on the service provided to the public because of the additional costs.

"Cleveland Police remains focussed on identifying those responsible and continues to work through CCTV and mobile phone footage, along with other lines of enquiry.

"The support from the public coming forward with information is overwhelming, and something the force continues to both encourage and value."

(Image: Picture: TERRY BLACKBURN) Northumbria Police saw staffing costs of £1,422,699.36 which included providing staff to help forces in other parts of the country to deal with unrest across the UK.

In the North East, Northumbria Police notably responded to disorder in Sunderland which saw a protective ring formed around the city's mosque.

The Northern Echo's Daniel Hordon, who was at the scene, described how "A cop car was smashed up and loud bangs let off as tensions began to boil over. Missiles were thrown at officers, one rioter attempted to kick a police horse."

(Image: Picture: NORTH NEWS) A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “The scenes we saw in Sunderland were utterly shocking and completely unacceptable.

“The financial cost to the Force is significant and policing resources continue to be committed to bringing offenders to justice.

(Image: Picture: NORTH NEWS) “We will continue to deliver our mission of fighting crime and keeping people safe, despite the significant disruption and financial impact.

“We are determined to build on the trust and confidence of our communities and be there when the public needs us.

“As always, we are grateful for the support we receive from the overwhelming majority of people we serve.”

A Home Office spokesperson told The Northern Echo: “The Home Secretary has committed to supporting the police with the costs of managing the significant violent disorder that took place in the summer. We are currently working with police forces to determine the full costs.”