Northumbria Police officers remain in the Meadow Well area this morning after emergency services were subjected to violent attacks on Bonfire Night. Bricks, missiles and fireworks were thrown towards responding 999 services in the Waterville Road area, with photos and videos on social media showing large groups gathering as fireworks were fired at a building.
Disorder described as pre-arranged
Northumbria Police described the disorder as "pre-arranged". The main focus of the attacks was the subject of misinformation, with police saying reports of a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) are thought to have prompted the disorder, when the building is actually planned for use as a supermarket.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness condemned the violence, saying she is "disgusted" by the actions of the "minority of idiots" that took part. She added that the "dangerous misinformation" and "stupidity" have to stop, and that there is "no excuse" for it.
Car driven into building and torched
As well as the throwing of missiles, a car was driven into the building before it was torched, adding to the chaos and danger on the scene. A further update from Northumbria Police is expected to provide more details on the incident.
