Hartlepool disorder: Teesside leaders respond as clean up begins
The Tees Valley Mayor and Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner have made statements
Last updated 1st Aug 2024
Eight people have been arrested - after glass bottles and eggs were thrown at police in Hartlepool.
Several officers suffered injuries following the disorder, which they believe is in response to Monday's knife attack in Southport.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Matt Storey said: "The appalling scenes last night in Hartlepool were totally unacceptable and I would like to thank Cleveland Police officers and staff for how they handled the incident and their bravery in what was a very dangerous situation.
“Those responsible for last night's offences must face the full force of the law and be held accountable for their actions.
“For people to use a tragedy as an excuse for mindless disorder is unacceptable. These individuals do not represent the people of Cleveland and their message of violence does not reflect the communities of Hartlepool.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner I reject any and all prejudice and discrimination. Violence and fear will never be stronger than the solidarity of the people of Cleveland.
“I understand from the Chief Constable that additional community reassurance patrols will be undertaken and any further disorder will be swiftly dealt with.
“I’m pleased to see the communities affected have already come together to raise funds, rebuild and recover from last night’s disorder. That’s the spirit of the Hartlepool I know.”
The Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has also issued a statement:
“What happened in Southport was truly sickening and I am heartbroken for all of the families involved. I cannot imagine their pain and my thoughts are with them.
“We now need to let justice take its course and I hope this is swift and strong for the sake of the victim’s families.
“This is what people need to allow the authorities to work towards, and creating further problems on our streets does nothing to aid this.
“I condemn the violence seen in the strongest terms and we need people in Hartlepool to step back and come together in what has been a deeply troubling week for our country
“I also want to place on record my thanks the brave police men and women who have worked tirelessly to keep us safe”
Teesside's Labour MPs have issued a statement as well:
“We totally condemn the thuggish criminal behaviour of those who took to the streets of Hartlepool yesterday evening and we are enormously grateful to Cleveland Police for their professional response to these outrageous incidents.
“Attacking Police Officers is utterly despicable and to do so in such a wrong-headed response to the heartbreaking tragedy in Southport, is grossly insulting to the bereaved and to that community.
“We in the Tees Valley stand in solidarity with the traumatised community in Southport, families of the victims, all those caught up in the horror and the amazing first responders.
"These are the people we should be thinking about. We are all horrified, angry and devastated but we must let the police and the justice system do their work and anyone using this as an excuse to break the law or threaten the safety of others will face the consequences.
“There is a clear campaign by ill-informed and badly motivated individuals, peddling misinformation on social media to spread hatred and division.
“We will not be divided in our shared determination to ensure that all our communities can live in peace and safety.”
That has been signed by Jonathan Brash MP for Hartlepool, Andy McDonald MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Anna Turley MP for Redcar, Chris McDonald MP for Stockton North, Luke Myer MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Lola McEvoy MP for Darlington