Extremism expert explains why riots are spreading across the UK
Professor Roger Griffin (01:00) is an expert in extremism and terrorism. As riots spread to Sunderland, he explains to Paul Brand why they’re taking hold. Paul also hears from Richard in Paddington (08:17) who gives his view.
Rioters were branded “criminal thugs” after disorder led by the far right broke out in Sunderland on Friday night, with a police station was set on fire and cars overturned.
The rioters set the police station at Signal House, Waterloo Place ablaze as they clashed with police in violent scenes.
Eight people were arrested and three police officers were left needing hospital treatment, as mounted police and officers in riot gear clashed with protestors.
Hundreds of people had gathered in the city’s centre in response to Monday’s Southport stabbings. Counter-protesters also came out, singing in support of refugees.
Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said of the rioters: “Our city is not represented by a tiny minority causing trouble.”
He added that officers have his “full support as they respond to criminal thuggery and work to protect all the communities of our city”.
“Tomorrow the people of Sunderland will come together and continue to build the bright future that we have – a future where every community of our city feels safe and prospers,” he said.
Northumbria Police confirmed eight people were arrested and three officers were taken to hospital as the violence erupted.
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, who led the policing operation, said: “The shocking scenes we have witnessed in Sunderland this evening are completely unacceptable. I want to make it absolutely clear that the disorder, violence and damage which has occurred will not be tolerated.
“The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware that a protest had been planned, we ensured there was an increased policing presence in the city. During the course of the evening those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable.”
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