Six arrested after police officers injured in 'shocking' North Tyneside Bonfire Night violence

Six people, among them three teenage boys, are in custody after disorder broke out on the Meadow Well estate in North Tyneside on Bonfire Night.

Emergency services came under attack with bricks, missiles and fireworks in what were described as“shocking scenes”.

Multiple officers were injured, and five police cars and three fire engines were damaged during the disorder, Northumbria Police said.

Northumbria Police said on Friday they had arrested two men aged 25 and 27, a 27-year-old woman and three teenagers, all held on suspicion of violent disorder. They said they expected to make further arrests following the incident.

It was understood that a protest was raised about fears that a building would be used as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), but that was not correct, and it was going to be a supermarket.

Area commander for North Tyneside Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte said: “The shocking scenes we witnessed last night in the Meadow Well were completely unacceptable.

“Our officers and firefighters were met with violence, including fireworks and bricks being thrown at them and their vehicles.

“I want to recognise their commitment and professionalism and the ongoing support we have received from our partners.”

“We believe the disorder relates to misinformation that the building is going to be used as a house of multi-occupancy – which is not accurate,” Mr Whyte said.

“The site is planned for use as a supermarket with flats above for private rent.

“We are sharing this information to stop speculation in the community.”

“Quite simply, the disorder, violence and damage which has occurred will not be tolerated,” the senior officer said.

“Our response has been swift and robust, with a full investigation ongoing to identify those responsible.

“We have already arrested six people in connection with what happened – but we haven’t stopped there.

“Anyone involved should be expecting a knock on the door.”

‘Unacceptable behaviour’

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay said firefighters were there to help people and keep communities safe.

“So it is deeply disappointing that emergency service personnel responding to the incident were met with violence and unacceptable behaviour while carrying out their duties.

“Three fire appliances were damaged whilst dealing with a life-critical incident, highlighting the dangerous nature of these actions and the risks posed to those working to protect the public.

“As a result, these appliances weren’t available to respond to life-critical incidents, impacting our ability to protect and support the community.”

North Tyneside’s elected mayor Karen Clark said the incident at the Meadow Well estate was “appalling and completely unacceptable”.

She said: “There is no excuse for this kind of violence and disorder, particularly when emergency services are being attacked simply for doing their jobs.

“I know how much pride the people of Meadow Well take in their community, and how upsetting and frightening these scenes will have been for residents.

“The actions of a minority must not be allowed to overshadow the many decent, law-abiding people who live there.”

The Meadow Well estate was previously the scene of riots in the early 1990s.