A 12-year-old boy is among 17 people arrested in connection with the violent disorder that broke out in Meadow Well on Bonfire Night. The unrest took place on November 5 on Waterville Road, where a large group of yobs attacked a building with fireworks and rammed a car into it before setting it alight.
The ugly scenes were sparked by fears that the building would be used as a house of multiple occupancy (HMO), but police said that was not correct and that it is going to be a supermarket. When officers and firefighters responded, they were attacked, and five police cars and three fire engines were also damaged.
Arrests and bail
Last week, two men, a woman, and three teenage boys were arrested in relation to the disorder. On Monday, Northumbria Police said 11 more people were arrested over the weekend, bringing the total to 17. Those being questioned by police are aged between 12 and 66 years old.
Northumbria Police said that 15 people have been bailed pending further inquiries and two will face no further action. Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte, the Area Commander for North Tyneside, said further arrests are expected over the coming days.
Police response and community appeal
Ch Supt Whyte said: "We have made further arrests over the weekend as our full investigation into Thursday’s appalling incident continues.
"I would like to reassure the public that our investigative efforts will not stop, and further arrests are expected in the coming days. If you were involved in the disorder on Thursday night, expect to be sat in one our cells soon.
"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. We thank those who have provided information towards our investigation and shown support for our officers.
"We also recognise the overwhelming number of people in the community will condemn this type of behaviour, and the response we have seen with information which has helped us make these arrests clearly demonstrates this.
"If you’ve got information which could help us bring those who committed these offences to justice, please get in touch. Since the disorder occurred, there has been an increased police presence in the area which will continue to offer reassurance to the community."
Members of the public can submit new information via the dedicated Northumbria Police webpage, or call 101, quoting the reference number: NP-20261105-0757.
