Calls for calm across County Durham amid reports of North East disorder
County Durham leaders issued a call for peace and unity amid reports of far right demonstrations this week.
Last updated 7th Aug 2024
County Durham leaders issued a call for peace and unity amid reports of far right demonstrations this week.
Police chiefs, politicians, and local authority leaders came together to condemn the “disgusting scenes” seen around the country and vowed to identify anyone involved in future incidents.
The widespread disorder across the country followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a holiday club in Southport last week. Groups of rioters in Hartlepool, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough smashed the windows of businesses, houses, and cars and hurled objects at officers last week.
With reports of far right demonstrations in Durham and Bishop Auckland this week, politicians distanced themselves from the demonstrations and said it does not represent the views of “welcoming and inclusive” communities in County Durham.
In a joint statement, City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy and Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “The Durham we know is a tolerant, welcoming, and open place – and we are proud of the diverse nature of the city and villages.
“Our communities do not want, or deserve, to witness these appalling scenes, so now is the time for us to come together and display the true values of our wonderful and inclusive communities
“This mindless thuggery threatens the solidarity and cohesion that we cherish so dearly, and it is vital we work together to eradicate the risks and reinforce unity and tolerance here in the North East.”
Durham Constabulary is said to have appropriate structures in place to respond quickly to any disorder.
There was an increased police presence in the city centre on Tuesday and Durham police vowed to identify any individuals attending the city with the intent of causing disorder.
Chief Superintendent Dave Coxon said: “While we will always support and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, violent disorder from people intent on harming our communities will not be tolerated.
“Our officers are committed to protecting the communities we serve, and advice has been given to residents and local businesses to reassure them of our support. Our advice to anyone considering engaging in disorder is not to attend.”
Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth also condemned the disorder and praised the diversity of the region.
He said: “People have a right to raise legitimate concerns about levels of migration in the country but they do not have a right to intimidate people in their places of worship, attack businesses and leave people fearful for themselves and their families because of far-right thugs committing acts of terror on the streets of Britain.”
The Labour MP also urged people to empathise with those targeted by the disorder. He added: “People need to understand the experiences of the victims. They’re our neighbours, friends, and co-workers. Nobody should be living in fear because of their heritage.
“There is no place for that – and it doesn’t represent the spirit of the people in Bishop Auckland. The vast majority of those in Bishop are decent, law-abiding people who have respect for everyone who lives in our town.”
Meanwhile, Durham County Council voiced its sympathy for the families affected by the devastating Southport incident.
“As with people up and down the country, we have been shocked and saddened at the disorder that has occurred, supposedly in response to the attack, including in our great region in recent days,” a spokesperson said.
“Regrettably we have seen some disorder in County Durham already and we are aware of posts on social media on potential further activity. We are sharing any information we see with Durham Constabulary and fully support police both regionally and nationally in their efforts to maintain public safety.
“The people of the North East and County Durham have always prided themselves on living in friendly, welcoming and inclusive communities; and we therefore echo the calls made elsewhere for unity and not division in response to the events in Southport.”