Council leaders are pressing for an "urgent" update on the response to the Bonfire Night disorder that shook a North Tyneside estate, after violence on November 5 culminated in an attack on a building on Waterville Road.
The building was targeted amid what Northumbria Police described as "misinformation" about its future use. The force said it believed the "pre-arranged" disorder was sparked by the false belief that the new-build would become a house in multiple occupation (HMO). In reality, it was set to be a supermarket with individual flats above.
A car was crashed into the building and set alight, and fireworks were aimed at it. The total number of arrests linked to the disorder has reached 21, with suspects aged between 12 and 66. Northumbria Police said today that further arrests are expected in the coming days and weeks.
Councillors demand scrutiny
Elected officials have now called for a chance to scrutinise the events. In a letter to the council's security sub-committee vice chair, committee member and leader of the council's Conservative group, John Johnsson, wrote: "I appreciate that this is very short notice. However, given the seriousness of what occurred, the impact on the local community, and the negative media attention the disturbances have brought to the borough, including nationally, I feel it is critical that we discuss this at the earliest opportunity."
He added: "With the next meeting not due until January, it is important that members receive an urgent update from officers on the situation, the response so far and any further action planned."
Fellow committee member and Labour councillor for Chirton and Percy Main Rebecca O'Keefe said: "I put in a members' enquiry yesterday afternoon requesting an urgent briefing following criminal behaviour on Bonfire Night. I have also asked the chair of the committee if this could be added to the agenda."
Update scheduled for next week
An update is being prepared and will be heard as part of the council's 'Community Protection – Anti-social Behaviour Update' at next week's secure sub-committee meetings. Councillors will convene on Tuesday, 17 November at North Tyneside's Cobalt Business Park HQ.
