Fears of further disorder quashed as thousands show in Newcastle for counter protests
Around 4,000 people turn out in force on Newcastle’s West End
Despite reports suggesting another night of violence across the North East - there’s been calm - and an outpouring of community across Newcastle.
Throughout Wednesday (7 August) there were reports of businesses closing early and events being postponed - with both Newcastle Theatre Royal and Sunderland Empire cancelling last night’s performances.
The reaction was in response to threats of more than 100 planned protests across the country - with the Beacon in Newcastle’s West End being one of the sites earmarked by far-right protestors.
But in most places, planned anti-immigration protests failed to materialise.
According to Stand Up to Racism, an estimated 25,000 people took to the streets to take a stand - they said - against racism and violence.
Early estimates suggest there were up to 4,000 people on Westgate Road in Newcastle.
Many were holding Stand Up To Racism placards had been chanting "refugees are welcome here".
Northumbria Police say last night largely passed without incident.
The force is thanking everyone for their continued support.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, it said:
"This is a time for communities to unite – nobody should have to experience the disgraceful disorder seen over the last week by a minority whose only aim is to divide us."
Officers have confirmed three people were arrested in connection with public order offences and being drunk and disorderly.
Police are continuing to investigate race-related hate crimes and disorder across Sunderland, following on from other disorder and violence last Friday (2 August).