Officials criticized the protestors as "mindless thugs" fueling hatred.
There are scenes of destruction on the streets of Sunderland tonight (August 2) following clashes between protesters and police.
Photos captured in the city depict a car flipped over and engulfed in flames following a protest that escalated into chaotic and disorderly scenes. A large crowd has assembled in response to the recent Southport stabbings, where three schoolgirls lost their lives earlier this week.
The victims, Alice Dasilva Aguiar (nine), Bebe King (six), and Elsie Dot Stancombe (seven), met a tragic end in a knife assault during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Previous riots have erupted in Southport, Hartlepool, and London.
Sunderland's main police station is also believed to have been torched. English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson posted a video on X which showed the police station ablaze, with the words: "You should've listened @Keir_Starmer."
Reports indicate that shops in the northeastern city have been looted, as images reveal a storefront with shattered glass. Bystanders are seen rushing inside.
Kelly Chequer, a council member from Sunderland, criticized the demonstrators as "mindless thugs" inciting animosity. Follow Manchester Today on Facebook, and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Newsdesk@ManchesterToday.org.uk
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