Far-right rioters in Sunderland ‘will not define us’, says mayor

The mayor of the north-east expressed that the violence from the far-right in Sunderland was disgraceful and does not reflect the community or its people. Hundreds of individuals came together in the city to assist with the clean-up efforts.

Kim McGuinness expressed her disbelief and alarm at the violent actions of the rioters on Friday night.

"They will not shape how people see us," she stated over the weekend. "They will not determine our standing on the global stage."

McGuinness mentioned that the residents of Sunderland are "kind, approachable, diligent and, above all, filled with pride".

"This wonderful location is known for its outstanding reputation. It's a place filled with empathy, unity, diverse arts, and innovation. We are determined to uphold these principles and won't allow anyone to undermine them," she expressed.

Around 500 individuals, including parents with their kids, gathered in the downtown area on Friday night in response to extremist social media messages urging them to rally.

The situation turned violent very quickly, as individuals wearing masks began throwing objects such as bricks, rocks, beer barrels, and metal poles at the police officers trying to control the riot.

Ten individuals were detained and four law enforcement officials were brought to a medical facility for care, one of whom was a mounted officer with severe injuries.

The police station was looted and the nearby Citizens' Advice Bureau was set on fire.

The fighting continued until early morning. By 8am the next day, there were many people of all ages outside with cleaning tools like brooms, trash pickers, buckets, bags, and dustpans.

The strong, burnt scent lingered in the atmosphere as individuals gathered to discuss their disbelief and frustration about the recent events.

Vivienne Simpson went out with her friends and family, all armed with brushes, right away. She mentioned that she had seen the violence on the news and was shocked.

She commented that the individuals were not from our city and do not reflect who we are. She described them as far-right, dishonest criminals, referring to them as deplorable individuals.

"After all the effort they are putting into revitalizing the city. It has been in a declining state for a long time..." she explained, holding back tears. "It really upsets me to think about it. I felt ill last night, it was a terrible experience."

In the early hours, additional individuals arrived, congregating around a vehicle that had been flipped over and ignited by the rioters.

People were told to disperse and search for spots where the cleaning vehicles from the council couldn't reach.

David Mulligan expressed what many people were thinking. "They were fighting, stealing, and causing trouble. They were just looking for trouble and causing chaos."

In interviews with The Guardian, some individuals had trouble articulating their feelings of sorrow. One woman struggled to find the words, saying, "I can't even discuss it. I feel like crying. It's just so terrible."

Someone else commented: "Those individuals in Sunderland last night were completely foolish. I am here because we care about our city, no matter what others may say. Yesterday's actions were not a true representation of Sunderland."

Lewis Atkinson, who represents Sunderland Central in Parliament, stated that it was possible to connect the unrest to the English Defence League (EDL).

The flag mentioned the "North East Infidels," which he described as a splinter group of the Nazi EDL, representing the north-east division of the EDL.

The EDL is no longer an official group, but the real issue is how to deal with people who used to be part of the EDL. They haven't vanished or disappeared, they are still present and require ongoing monitoring," he mentioned.

Sunderland AFC spoke out against the violence, stating on X that the city will always be inclusive for everyone.

Tonight's disgraceful events do not reflect our customs, our past, or our society.

"Our wonderful city is founded on unity and inclusivity, and Sunderland will always be a place for everyone. We are more powerful when we come together as a single community. In the past, present, and future."

At one time, fire extinguishers were activated and then thrown at police lines. A taxi that was driving through a crowd on a busy street was targeted as it decreased in speed.

Individuals participating in the disturbance shouted hateful words against Islam and the far-right activist known as "Tommy Robinson".

There was a confrontation between law enforcement and demonstrators outside a mosque in the city.

The knife attack in Southport that resulted in the deaths of three young girls has been connected to a surge in violence. Officials are preparing for numerous other reported incidents that are expected to occur over the weekend.

The police are ready for any more violence that may occur. Ch Supt Mark Hall, who is in charge of the Sunderland area, said that they will not stand for any disorder, violence, or damage.

Do not be mistaken, if you were involved in last night's events, be prepared to face the full consequences of the law.

Susan Dungworth, who is in charge of the police and crime department in Northumbria, stated that there were sufficient numbers of officers patrolling the streets.

I am worried that police departments across the country will be completely drained if this goes on during the summer.