As Sunderland grapples with the aftermath of violent disturbances perpetrated by “extreme right-wing racists”, the local MP made clear that such actors will not have the upper hand. Members of the public pulled together for an extensive clean-up after unrest erupted in the city centre.
A spontaneous gathering of about 500 individuals, comprising families and youngsters, took place on Friday evening in response to extreme right-wing social media posts. However, the situation rapidly degenerated into chaos, with unidentified male perpetrators hurling various projectiles, including bricks, containers of beer, and scaffolding poles, at law enforcement officials sent in to manage the riot.
Police apprehended eight individuals, while three officers required hospital treatment due to their injuries. A vehicle was set on fire, and several shops were targeted by looters. A local police structure was also set ablaze.
Lewis Atkinson, Sunderland Central’s Labour MP, expressed his deep regret regarding the incident during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme. “I’m genuinely saddened by these events. Sunderland, despite last night’s violence and hooliganism, has great potential and promising prospects”, he affirmed.
Atkinson stressed that the actions of these extreme right-wing racists do not embody Sunderland’s spirit, pointing out that the havoc could be linked to the now-defunct English Defence League. Infamous flag of the “North East Infidels”, a sub-group of the former EDL, had been spotted at the scene of the commotion.
While the EDL no longer formally exists, Atkinson highlighted the ongoing issue of dealing with those previously associated with the group. These individuals persist and require continuous monitoring. He also voiced worry over the potential impact of the riot on Sunderland’s diverse community, asserting that actions fostering division will not be successful.
Several individuals participating in the unrest sported football jerseys in red and white. Sunderland’s football club, in a statement on X, denounced the acts of aggression, affirming that the city “remains a place for everyone”. During the melee, fire extinguishers were not only discharged, but also thrown towards officers of the law. Moreover, a taxi, traversing a crowded primary route and reducing speed, became a target of attack.
The miscreants involved raised chants disapproving Islam and voicing support for Tommy Robinson, a noted individual associated with extreme-right ideologies. Additionally, officers found themselves in a face-off with demonstrators in the vicinity of a mosque on St Mark’s Road in Sunderland. This surge in hostility has connections to the Southport knife attack on Monday, where three young females lost their lives. In response to this, authorities are preparing for a significant number of proposed gatherings this weekend.