Four officers taken to hospital following violent Sunderland protests
Ten arrests were made in the wake of the demonstrations
Northumbria Police have confirmed that four police officers were taken to hospital following violent protests in Sunderland.
A number of demonstrations across the country have taken place in the wake of the stabbings in Southport earlier this week.
However, violence erupted in Sunderland on Friday (August 2nd) with far-right demonstrators looting several shops in the city.
During the incident, a police station and the Citizen's Advice Bureau was set alight - with cars also being burned out.
This morning, in the aftermath of the incident, residents were out in force clearing up the city to restore order following the protests.
Northumbria Police gave an update on the situation, saying that four officers were taken to hospital for injuries sustained during the violence.
In a statement, the force said: "Three received injuries as a direct result of the disorder. In addition, one of our mounted riders sustained serious injuries in an accident and is receiving treatment in hospital."
In total, ten people were arrested in the demonstrations as other demonstrations by far-right protesters and counter-protesters take place.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall from Northumbria Police has said that investigations are now underway to identify those responsible.
He added: "Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law."
Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council Kelly Chequer said that the violence seen in the city was "totally unacceptable".
She went on to say: "We know that, sadly, many of those in our city last night were not from here, but came to cause chaos and stoke tensions, and I want to make clear that there is no place for these people. They are not welcome here."