It would be natural if the people of the North East had been left shaken by the violence which took place outside their homes and in their communities over the weekend.

Frightened parents had to lock their children in bathrooms for their own safety after rioters stormed their homes in Middlesbrough and other terrified families have suitcases packed and are considering fleeing the country after the devastating events on Sunday.

There were similar stories last week, as disorder escalated in Hartlepool and Sunderland. There have been a handful of reports of injuries, but the long-term impact of what has been witnessed in recent days will affect many of us long after those physical scars have healed.

Officers will continue to investigate the violence and criminal damage that has taken place, and politicians are working at speed to find a solution that restores peace to our streets. To assist those looking to bring offenders to justice, we urge anyone who can identify those involved to contact the police.

The word ‘protest’ has been hijacked by those intent on causing trouble. Any peaceful debate on immigration and government policy should be welcomed and encouraged. But that is not what we’ve seen. Those rioting have no interest in their towns – how can anyone who is destroying the place they call home justify their actions?

In times of trouble like this, it is easy to fear the worst about the state of our nation. But let us not forget, it remains a small minority of violent thugs who are seeking to divide us. They are not a true reflection of what we are.

The heart of the North East and North Yorkshire can be found in the people who turned out at the crack of dawn to clean their streets. It is the neighbours who lent a helping hand to someone whose home or car had been damaged. It is those who gave up their time to help families hurt the most by the mindless behaviour of trouble makers.

It is those people who represent the best of society and the community spirit we are all so proud of. We have some of the most loving and caring people anywhere in the country, living and working in some of the most diverse and welcoming communities imaginable. The actions of the rioters won’t divide us, they will only make us stronger in our determination to make sure hate does not win.

Today, The Northern Echo celebrates those people. Those who fuelled their anger into a repair and rebuild job because they are proud of where they live. They are the people we all call family, friends and neighbours. They are true Northerners.

They are who we really are.