Car rams building and fireworks fired at police in North Shields, six arrested
Several officers were injured and emergency vehicles damaged during disorder at the Meadow Well estate in North Shields on Bonfire Night. Six people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
Six arrested after violent disorder at Meadow Well estate on Bonfire Night
Several police officers were injured and multiple emergency vehicles damaged after a car was driven into a building and fireworks were launched at officers in North Shields on Tuesday evening, The Sun reports.
Emergency services were called to the Meadow Well estate just before 8pm after disorder broke out outside a premises on the Tyneside estate. Footage circulating on social media showed groups of masked individuals watching as a vehicle reversed into a wall, while others directed a sustained barrage of fireworks at the building and at attending officers. Bricks were also thrown.
Five police cars and three fire engines sustained damage during the unrest.
Northumbria Police has arrested six people in connection with the incident: two men aged 25 and 27, a 27-year-old woman, and three teenage boys. All six were held on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody.
Building targeted over false claims
Area commander for North Tyneside, Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte, said the disorder appeared to be rooted in misinformation circulating within the community. "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," he 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."
Whyte described the scenes as "completely unacceptable" and paid tribute to officers and firefighters who faced violence while on duty. "Our officers and firefighters were met with violence, including fireworks and bricks being thrown at them and their vehicles," he said. "I want to recognise their commitment and professionalism and the ongoing support we have received from our partners."
On the arrests, Whyte warned that the investigation was continuing. "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."
Fire service warns of risk to public safety
Deputy chief fire officer Lynsey McVay said the damage to fire appliances had direct consequences for the wider community's safety. "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," she said. "As a result, these appliances weren't available to respond to life-critical incidents, impacting our ability to protect and support the community."
McVay described it as "deeply disappointing" that emergency personnel responding to the incident had been met with violence and what she called "unacceptable behaviour."
North Tyneside's elected mayor Karen Clark also condemned the events. "What happened in Meadow Well last night 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."
The Meadow Well estate was previously the scene of serious riots in the early 1990s.
Lewes Bonfire Night incidents
Separately, Sussex Police made 11 arrests across eight incidents during the annual Lewes Bonfire celebrations in East Sussex on the same night. The incidents included assault, drunk and disorderly behaviour, possession of an offensive weapon, and criminal damage. Paramedics treated 52 people by 1am, with four taken to hospital for further treatment.
Source: The Sun