Northumbria Police say a robust plan is in place over reports of further disorder
Extra police have been deployed in the North East today
Last updated 7th Aug 2024
There’s more calls for calm this evening from North East leaders, as Northumbria police say they have a robust plan in place to deal with any outbreaks of violence
It comes as extra police have been deployed around the North East today.
Northumbria Police have released a statement from Chief Superintendent Steve Wykes;
“In the coming days we do expect to see some demonstrations taking place in various areas across the force area, including Newcastle and Sunderland. We recognise that some members of the community will be feeling frightened and marginalised as a result of the demonstrations that we’ve seen here and across the country. But I want to reassure you that we are here to protect you.
“Every deployable officer in uniform is out in the community serving you. We are really well resourced and ready to tackle anybody who seeks to cause violent unrest.”
There were some cases of businesses and organisations taking preventative action, with Stagecoach NE changing some bus routes through Newcastle this evening, and the Seven Stories Children’s Centre in Ouseburn closing early. Meanwhile in Sunderland, the Sunderland Empire cancelled both today’s performances of The Wizard of Oz, and say they will be in touch with ticket holders.
But North Tyneside council bosses are reassuring people that reports of disorder in the borough are not true.
It follows social media claims that some businesses in Wallsend and North Shields were closing because of possible disorder.
The local authority said: “Social media posts about disorder in North Tyneside are not true. Northumbria Police tell us that there is no intelligence of planned protest activity in North Tyneside and there are no ongoing incidents of disorder within North Tyneside.
“None of our services have been impacted. Our premises such as parks, libraries, offices, and leisure centres remain open as usual.
“Please avoid sharing unsubstantiated reports on social media and refer to Northumbria Police for the latest information.”
In a further statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Northumbria Police chief superintendent Steve Wykes warned that “a lot of misinformation” was circulating on social media and urged people to “use trusted news sources, speak to police officers and get your information from people who you know you can trust”.