Protests in Sunderland escalated into a night of “criminal violence”, with a police station being set on fire and objects being thrown at officers.
Eight people were arrested on a range of charges, including violent rioting and robbery, after apparent violence following a stabbing in Southport.
Three police officers were taken to hospital with injuries, two of whom required further treatment.
As police tried to contain a group of several hundred protesters in the city’s Keel Square, they were hit by projectiles.
As a helicopter flew overhead, young people threw stones at police and shouted “Whose street is this?”.
Some protesters were draped with British flags and could be heard chanting slogans in support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Other members of the march, which set off from the square shortly before 7pm, shouted: “Insults to Islam”
Mounted police and officers in vans followed the group as they moved through the city – a stand-off later broke out between police and protesters in front of the mosque, with objects being thrown at officers. Image
Some people were unhappy with the “two-layer security” as police formed a protective ring around the mosque.
Later that night, an overturned car was set on fire in the city centre after protesters pointed a fire extinguisher at police officers.
Police also had to defuse tensions in Liverpool on Friday night as protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside a mosque.
As police arrived, a small scuffle broke out between protesters and soon counter-protesters were heard shouting “Say it loud, say it clear – refugees are welcome here. Speak for Sunderland.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said she was “appalled” by the scenes in Sunderland.
She said: “Make no mistake: if your response to a tragedy is to use it to become violent, to abuse others, to attack police, or to damage property, you are doing nothing but violence.
“This is not a protest. It’s about crime and rioting. You’re not speaking for Sunderland. You’re not speaking for this region.
“Mourners in Southport will take no comfort from this.”
Chief Superintendent Helena Barron later said “the unrest, violence and harm that has occurred is unacceptable”.
She said officers had shown “unwavering commitment” in the face of “serious and sustained violence”.
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police said officers had been “subjected to serious violence”.
“The scenes we are seeing are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated”, they added. “Ensuring public safety is our number one priority.”
Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said “our city is not just a minority causing trouble”, adding that police have his “full support in responding”. We are working to prevent criminal violence and protect all of our city’s communities.”
Friday was the third night of potentially violent protests in British cities this week following the stabbing deaths of three girls in Southport.
There are fears that unrest will continue into this weekend, posts have been made on social media advertising more events in cities across the UK over the next few days, including targeting mosques.
Counter-protests are also planned to counter right-wing extremist demonstrations.