01 August 2024 , 07:11
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Following an evening of violence in Hartlepool that saw police cars set on fire and officers bombarded with projectiles, Cleveland Police have now confirmed that order has been restored and eight people arrested
After a tense evening of violent clashes in Hartlepool between police and members of the public protesting over the Southport stabbings which took place on Monday, order was officially restored to the town shortly before 2am on Thursday morning. In the evening of chaos and destruction multiple officers were targeted by members of the public and bombarded with projectiles, while several police vehicles were set ablaze in shocking scenes that concerned the nation.
However, thanks to the efforts of emergency services, order was restored by the early hours of Thursday morning, when Cleveland Police released a statement to say that the situation had been safely resolved - but not without a handful of arrests. In total eight arrests were made during the evening relating to public order offences.A full criminal investigation is now under way the force expect further arrests to be made in the coming days.
Addressing concerns around the disorder, a spokesperson for the police said: “We understand that these events will have been hugely concerning to our communities and we want to reassure people that the actions of those involved will be dealt with to bring those responsible to justice.
“In the meantime there will remain a visible police presence in the area.”
The disturbance first started early on Wednesday evening, when police with riot shields clashed with protesters after projectiles were hurled at officers in Murray Street. In addition, the road was closed for several hours while officers faced off with a large group of people in the road, and at one point, even saw a line of officers rush the crowd to push them back.
A police car burns as officers are deployed on the streets of Hartlepool following a violent protest.
The protest is believed to have begun at the war memorial on Victoria Road before later spreading to other parts of the town centre. Brougham Terrace, where Hartlepool’s mosque is situated, was also closed part way down by police as a precautionary measure.
Earlier on Wednesday evening Cleveland Police said: “There remains a policing presence in the Murray Street area while officers deal with disorder after responding to a protest – several arrests have already been made.
"The road is still closed and people are advised to avoid the area. Anyone with information relating to the disorder is asked to call 101.”
In a plea for calm in his constituency, Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash released a statement on X as he told his followers:: “I am deeply concerned about the situation that is developing in Hartlepool this evening.
Firefighters examine the charred wreckage of a burnt out police car in Hartlepool
"I will be meeting with police to discuss the response to this incident and would urge calm to allow our emergency services to do their job.
"These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that people hold. Violence is not the answer.”