Police officers hurt in Hartlepool protest disorder

There were clashes in the Murray Street area

Eight people have been arrested and a number of police officers injured after disorder broke out at a protest believed to be linked to the deaths of three children in a knife attack.

A large group of people gathered in the Murray Street area of Hartlepool on Wednesday evening, Cleveland Police said.

The force said its officers were attacked with missiles, glass bottles and eggs. A police car was also set alight.

It comes after Monday's knife attack at a dance class in Southport led to serious violence breaking out the following day in the Merseyside town.

Further clashes occurred in central London on Wednesday, prior to the Hartlepool disturbance.

A police car parked on Dent Street was set alight

In Hartlepool, police said eight arrests were made during the evening relating to public order offences.

A criminal investigation is taking place and police expect further arrests to be made in the coming days.

The force said a visible police presence would remain in the area during that time.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ch Supt David Sutherland, of Cleveland Police, said: "We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.

"At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.

"Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.

"I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area."

Police officers wearing riot gear were deployed to the scene

In a statement posted on X, Hartlepool's Labour MP Jonathan Brash said he was "deeply concerned" about the situation and would be meeting with police to discuss their response to the incident.

He added: "These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer."

The smell of petrol and smoke filled the air after the police car was set on fire

There were a number of road closures in and around Murray Street.

Videos on social media show a crowd of people in the streets, with one showing youths throwing objects at a line of police in riot gear.

Resident Rachel King said the disorder left her feeling "frightened" for her young daughter's safety.

She said: "I saw a very large group on Murray Street, basically abusing the police, which was nothing to do with what they were supposedly rioting about."

At the scene: Fear and hostility

By Peter Harris, BBC Look North

A police car stands burnt out in a side street with the pungent smell of fuel filling the air.

This was one of the shocking results of a night of violence, vandalism and fear in Hartlepool.

Riot police blocked off streets throughout the evening, periodically facing missiles before moving forward to clear the area.

At one point officers shouted a warning to leave before charging to move anyone in their path.

Some of those present claimed a protest over immigration had turned ugly with a shop being attacked and rocks being thrown.

By 23:00 BST the atmosphere was one of fear mixed with hostility with what appeared to be hundreds on the streets.

And, as many of the riot police appeared to withdraw around midnight, the crowds dispersed and the town centre residential streets fell largely silent again.

The clear up and the investigations come next.