Man jailed over riot threats to police

Police say they had to use restraints to control Jamie Govan as he was arrested

A man who police said made threats to officers during a riot in Middlesbrough has been jailed for 18 months.

Jamie Govan was involved in a night of disorder on Sunday 4 August following social media misinformation about the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport.

The 26-year-old, of Hartington Road, Stockton, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at a previous appearance at Teesside Crown Court.

Cleveland Police said he had shouted profanities as he moved towards officers.

In a statement released after his sentencing, the force said Govan had swung his arms and kicked out his legs when he was arrested, meaning restraints had to be applied.

He then grabbed an officer's baton and refused to let go before being handcuffed and taken into custody.

Trouble was seen on Middlesbrough's Parliament Road, Waterloo Road and around the university

The unrest in Middlesbrough spread from an afternoon protest at the town's cenotaph.

Groups pushed burning wheelie bins at a line of officers on Ayresome Street and a car was set alight on Parliament Road.

Houses and vehicles had their windows smashed, while cans and bottles were also thrown towards shops on Linthorpe Road.

More than 30 people were arrested during violence which officers described as "staggering".