Police building reportedly set on fire in Sunderland as unrest rolls on

A police station in Sunderland was allegedly set ablaze on Friday, while law enforcement officials worked to control a large group of demonstrators during another evening of chaos.

A video shared on social media showed flames emerging from the Sunderland Central police station.

Nick Lowles, representing the group Hope Not Hate, shared a picture of the fire on X and stated: "A police station in Sunderland was set on fire tonight. This was the result of a far-right and racist demonstration. Disgraceful to those who support and justify these protests."

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service informed the BBC that they were present at the fire near the Sunderland Central Police station.

The group, including some individuals with balaclavas on, also hurled beer barrels and rocks at the police who were repeatedly targeted outside a mosque on St Mark's Road.

A car flipped over was lit on fire and protesters sprayed fire extinguishers at police officers. The Northumbria police suggested that people stay away from the Sunderland city center because of the continuing chaos.

The demonstration, organized by extremists on social platforms, kicked off at the recently renovated Keel Square. Videos circulating on social media captured youths hurling rocks at law enforcement and chanting "our streets, our streets" along with discriminatory remarks against Islam.

The demonstration was one of many scheduled throughout the UK this weekend following a stabbing incident in Southport on Monday. The protest was fueled by false information circulating on social media regarding the suspect's background and religious beliefs.

Yvette Cooper, the secretary in charge of home affairs, expressed that the police have full support from the government to use the most powerful measures available.

People who commit crimes like attacking the police and causing chaos in our neighborhoods will be held accountable for their actions.

The government fully supports the police in taking strong action and ensuring that those responsible face the consequences of the law.

"They are not a true reflection of the UK."

Additional prosecutors have been asked to come in to work this weekend as police departments across the country prepare for more chaos.

Stephen Parkinson, the head of public prosecutions, stated: "We view the recent occurrences of violent chaos with great concern and we are prepared to act quickly if there is another eruption."

We have sent out many additional prosecutors who are working non-stop this weekend, helping the police, and prepared to quickly make decisions about charging so that justice is swiftly achieved.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness expressed her shock on X over the events in Sunderland. She strongly condemned those who choose to use tragedy as an excuse to engage in violence, abuse, and destruction. Such behavior does not represent any meaningful cause or message - it is simply a display of thuggery, and not a form of legitimate protest.

This is a matter of crime and chaos. Your voice does not represent Sunderland or the surrounding area. The individuals mourning in Southport will find no solace in these actions.

We think the people in Southport and all over the country need to unite to fight against discrimination towards individuals based on their identities. It's especially important to address the increasing levels of Islamophobia before it spreads further in our society.

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson expressed his dismay at the chaos happening in the city center.

In X's writing, he expressed that the troublemaking actions of a small group do not accurately reflect our city as a whole.

I stand behind Northumbria police as they deal with violent criminals and strive to keep all our city's communities safe.

"Tomorrow, the citizens of Sunderland will unite and work together to create a promising future for all, where every neighborhood in our city thrives and feels secure."

Tyne and Wear Metro company Nexus stated that they were requested by the police.

The decision was made to shut down Sunderland Rail Station around 10:15pm.

A movie theater in the city, Omniplex Sunderland, had to shut down for the safety of the public and employees.

The education secretary and Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson criticized the incidents in the city as "unacceptable violence and hooliganism".

She stated that the events in the downtown area of our city tonight are disgraceful. We have witnessed unacceptable violence and criminal behavior.

The individuals responsible for this terrible chaos need to be found, charged, and punished to the fullest extent of the legal system.

Sunderland deserves better than the actions of these criminals who do not reflect the true spirit of our city.

Approximately 200 people who oppose racism came together outside the Abdullah Quilliam society mosque in Liverpool on Friday night following talk of a far-right demonstration. Eventually, there was a minor altercation between the two groups.

In Liverpool, there were many more anti-fascist groups than far-right groups. Some small fights happened at the beginning of the evening but the police quickly stopped them. By 9pm, only a few far-right protesters were left, standing under trees near Abdullah Quilliam society mosque, trying to avoid the rain.

A collection of males facing the anti-fascist group couldn't fully acknowledge they were part of the far-right, claiming to the Guardian that they were simply there to observe, wearing balaclavas.

Hope Not Hate reported that there were plans for around 35 demonstrations to occur in various locations throughout the UK this weekend. These protests are expected to have a strong focus against multiculturalism, Muslims, and the government.

Some of the featured locations are Blackburn, Blackpool, Bolton, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster, Glasgow, Hanley, High Wycombe, Hull, Liverpool, Leeds, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Preston, St Helens, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, and Wrexham.