04 August 2024 , 17:41
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The Filipino NHS workers were targeted by rioters in Sunderland, leaving them "terrified" as they headed to work in taxis to provide emergency cover amid violence breaking out
Filipino nurses on their way to work in a hospital as emergency cover were caught in the Sunderland riot.
The NHS workers were said to be ’terrified’ by the attack on their taxis. The vehicles were the target of rioters as they set light to a police station following a planned protest linked to the Southport knife attack.
"They were in two different taxis and had been called in because of the trouble as emergency cover," a source told the Mirror. "They managed to get through but they were obviously fearful about what might happen to them." Northumbria Police said eight people were arrested and three police officers were taken to hospital following the disorder on Friday night.
In a post on X, Sunderland Football Club condemned the violence and said the city "will forever be for all". Hundreds of people gathered in Keel Square, many of them draped in England flags. Some members of the crowd chanted in support of Tommy Robinson, while others shouted insults about Islam. Mounted police followed the march, along with officers in vans who battled their way through traffic to keep up.
However, some protesters descended into violence, setting an overturned car on fire, while others targeted a mosque. The two nurses were in two separate taxis which were attacked with rocks and missiles. "They were both very shaken by the incident," according to the source.
Sunderland Royal Hospital staff were told to get in touch if they were fearful about getting home amid the rioting. Ken Bremner, chief executive of the Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Trust, has moved to reassure international staff that the trouble is not a true reflection of the people of the city.
Police on horseback during protests ( Image: PA)
"Doors were put in" by officers hunting suspects involved in clashes in Sunderland, Northumbria Police said. Warrants were carried out in the city centre and the Ford Estate area, the force added. Two people were arrested: a woman aged 43 on suspicion of violent disorder, and a man aged 55 on suspicion of provoking violence.
It brings the total number arrested by the force in relation to Friday’s disorder to 12. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said: "Make no mistake, if you were involved last night expect to be met with the full force of the law." Meanwhile, nearly 20 people have been arrested over violent scenes in Hartlepool earlier this week, Cleveland Police said. Some have already been charged and appeared at court where several of them were further remanded in custody until early September.