'Violence will not be accepted in any way, shape or form', say Middlesbrough leaders

Middlesbrough's MP says violence will not be accepted in any way, shape or form, anywhere in town.

Andy McDonald's released a joint statement - with Chris Cooke, Mayor of Middlesbrough and Steve Gibson, the chairman of Middlesbrough Football Club.

In it they condemn the behaviour of a minority on Sunday night - saying they don't represent the true values of the community.

Here is the statement in full, from Andy McDonald MP, Chris Cook and Steve Gibson.

'We utterly condemn the violent and racist scenes we have seen on the streets of Middlesbrough. We will not accept such behaviour in our town or anywhere else.

'We in Middlesbrough have a proud and inclusive history. Over the centuries our town and our football club have welcomed people from across the world to come here to work, to study, to raise their families and build our communities. We respect each other and celebrate the fullness and richness of all our diverse histories and cultures.

'Those scurrilous individuals who attacked innocent people, their vehicles, their homes, their businesses - as well as attacking our brave police officers, the new homes in our town and our University- do not represent the true values of the people of Middlesbrough.

'Violence will not be accepted in any way, shape or form anywhere in Middlesbrough - not against our historic buildings, not against our institutions and absolutely not against our communities and our people.

'We support the strongest possible action against those who have taken part in these awful events and we support the continued efforts of our Police and prosecutors to hold them to account.

'Our community, in response to the dreadful events, has already demonstrated its solidarity with those affected by the appalling behaviour of the minority and we resolve to continue to work with them and move forward in the spirit of the best of Middlesbrough, our true character and values.

'Andy McDonald, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East.

'Chris Cooke, Mayor of Middlesbrough.

'Steve Gibson, Middlesbrough Football Club Chairman.'

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