Pair who took part in 'disgraceful' disorder jailed

Daniel Stewart (left) and Andrew Hook were each jailed for 27 months

Two men who took part in "disgraceful" disorder in Blackpool that saw a shopping centre security guard attacked and objects hurled at police have been jailed.

A group of nearly 1,000 people were involved in unrest in the seaside town on 3 August, Lancashire Police said.

Bottles and chairs were thrown and there were reports of widespread looting in Houndshill Shopping Centre.

Daniel Stewart, 28, of Ashton Road, Blackpool, and Andrew Hook, 32, of Coronation Street, Blackpool, were each sentenced to 27 months in prison at Preston Crown Court.

Police said Stewart was seen covering his face and wrapping an England flag around his shoulders before shouting and swearing at police officers and horses, and throwing a can towards them.

He also assaulted a security guard in Hounds Hill.

'Disgraceful'

He pleaded guilty to violent disorder and assault by beating.

Hook also participated in the disorder, kicking and punching a security guard in the head, police said.

He also admitted violent disorder.

Widespread disturbances broke out in towns and cities across England following the Southport knife attack that killed three young girls.

Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards said: “Disorder is not and will never be acceptable in any part of our county. Hook and Stewart chose to have a detrimental impact on the law-abiding citizens of our Lancashire communities.

"They were violent towards my officers, and members of the public."

She added: "Their behaviour was disgraceful and will absolutely not be tolerated in Lancashire."