Arrests made during Hull protest as police officers injured
Eggs and bottles have been thrown at officers
Last updated 3rd Aug 2024
A number of people have been arrested and police officers injured in a day of violence and disorder in Hull city centre.
Demonstrators first gathered in the city centre from early afternoon, where they were met with a large police presence.
Trouble flared throughout the day with items including eggs and bottles thrown at officers.
In a statement, Humberside Police said it believed that three of its officers had been injured but denied deploying tear gas.
Humberside Police statement:
Four people have been arrested as a result of the protest that began in Hull City Centre this afternoon (Saturday 3 August).
Officers will remain deployed and will continue to deal with antisocial behaviour and disorder and a road closure remains in place whilst officers continue to manage the incident.
At this stage, three officers are believed to have suffered injuries.
Chief Superintendent Darren Wildbore said: “We currently have a high policing presence whilst officers respond to disorder that is taking place in the area of Ferensway following a protest that began this afternoon.
“Our officers have faced eggs and bottles being thrown and have made four arrests relating to public order offences. We have also issued a dispersal order for the area and there will remain a visible police presence as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those in the community.
"I can confirm that we have not deployed tear gas contrary to speculation in the media.
“I continue to advise members of the public to avoid the area at this time."
Videos on social media have since shown multiple fires in the city with further objects launched at police officers and reports of looting.
Public transport has also been severely affected.
Hull Trains earlier confirmed services running to and from Hull station had been cancelled, with disruption expected to last until the end of the day.
Hull City Council also confirmed the closure of Hull Interchange.
The authority tweeted: "Regrettably, Hull Interchange will remain closed tonight due to ongoing tensions in the city centre.
"In the meantime, all scheduled bus departures between 9pm and 10pm will be leaving Lowgate.
"Bus services will return to normal as soon as it is safe to do so."
The disorder has been widely condemned across the city.
Hull North and Cottingham MP DIana Johnson tweeted: "Disgusted to see the appalling mindless criminal behaviour in Hull today.
"My thoughts are with Humberside Police officers injured by these criminals."
Paul Nickerson, a former Chairman at East Riding Council, tweeted: "Thoughts with the police, this is not protest it is appalling criminality that every decent person in our great city will utterly condemn."
Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, issued a statement condemning the 'mindless violence and thuggery'.
He said: “Today, I speak on behalf of the overwhelming majority of Hull residents as I condemn the appalling scenes witnessed in our city centre this afternoon. This is not the Hull we know and love.
“These actions do not reflect the beliefs of those who genuinely care about their country, city, or communities; rather, they stem from a small group of criminals’ intent on bringing division, conflict, and fear to our city.
“All those involved, as well as anyone who supports them, have brought shame upon themselves and will be held accountable for their actions.
“Hull is a vibrant and diverse city, home to caring and considerate individuals who will stand united to demonstrate that today’s events do not define us. Together, we will work to repair the damage caused by this unrepresentative minority.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the brave officers from Humberside Police, our wider emergency services, and everyone who supports them. They stood up for the rule of law and defended our community against mindless violence and thuggery. Our thoughts are with those directly affected by these awful events.
“I want to reassure our residents that we will do absolutely everything within our power to ensure that any damage is quickly repaired and that those behind today’s disgraceful behaviour are swiftly identified and brought to justice.
“Above all, I want to be extremely clear, today’s events do not represent us or the wonderful city we know and love.”