Eleven more arrests over Bonfire Night disorder
North NewsEleven more people have been arrested over the weekend after disorder on Bonfire Night.
Fireworks and bricks were launched at emergency services in Meadow Well, North Tyneside, on Thursday, with the disorder linked to misinformation that a building would be used to house asylum seekers, Northumbria Police said.
A number of officers were injured, and five police cars and three fire engines were damaged.
Police said all 11 arrests were on suspicion of violent disorder, bringing the total to 17, with those arrested aged from 12 to 66. Ch Supt Daniel Whyte said further arrests were expected in the coming days.
"We will absolutely not tolerate the behaviour seen in the Meadow Well, now, or ever and will do our utmost to trace those responsible and have them brought to justice," he said.
Fifteen of those arrested are on bail and two have been released and will face no further action, police said.
Last week, litter picker Dave Shaw estimated about 60 youths had been throwing missiles at firefighters and police officers.
He said five or six young people had been letting off fireworks towards the building, in which Heron Foods had been due to open a supermarket in the coming weeks.
A car was also rammed into the building before being set alight.
PABuilding owner Urfan Ahmed said nine rental flats were planned for above the supermarket, which would be handed over to a housing association or charity.
He said the belief it would be a "migrant hostel" was "totally wrong" and said the government had to do something to tackle misinformation online spreading hate in communities.
On Friday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said Meadow Well residents were "rallying around".
CEO of the Cedarwood Trust Solomon Lennox said locals were devastated and hurt by the violence, which has occurred two years in a row.
"We have seen the community coming out in terms of litter picking, supporting the council around the estate," Lennox said.
"We have good communication between schools and the council, and between the police and community organisations, to make sure it is safe."