Thirty-five arrested in a day of 'staggering' violence

A number of cars were set on fire in Middlesbrough and windows were smashed

Thirty-five people have been arrested after cars were set alight and missiles thrown at police during violence in Middlesbrough described as "staggering".

The unrest spread during a protest which started at the town's cenotaph on Sunday afternoon.

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

Cleveland Police said on Sunday evening "violent crowds" had mostly dispersed, but officers were still in the area dealing with some disorder.

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Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: "The level of violence we have seen today is staggering.

"We know the shocking scenes across Middlesbrough today will have caused alarm amongst communities."

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

The windows of a Teesside University building were also broken.

A spokesperson said no staff or students had been injured and its operation continued as usual.

"We will not allow those intent on causing disruption and division to impact on our core business - to transform lives and economies through education," they added.

Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald described the scenes across the town as "sickening".

A Teesside University building was damaged on Sunday

"What possesses people to attack their own neighbours, trash new homes, set fire to vehicles and vandalise our own university?" Mr McDonald said.

"They will indeed live to regret what they have done but the good people of our incredible town will come together."

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen also condemned the violence.

"Most right-minded people can see this is being led by a group of thugs who care little about the issues they hide behind and are simply intent on causing trouble," he said.

Bins were set alight in Ayresome Street

The main areas affected were Parliament Road, Waterloo Road and around the university, Cleveland Police said.

A number of properties on Parliament Road and the Crown Court building were significantly damaged, the force added.

Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey said those committing violence "do not represent" the town.

"Their message of hate and division will fail," he said.

"Now, more than ever, we will come together across Cleveland to unite in a spirit of solidarity and togetherness.

"Our diversity is our strength and we will prevail."

A car was set on fire on Parliament Road

Sunday's arrests bring the total number of people held over violent disorder in Teesside to 55.

Twenty people have also been arrested in connection with unrest which happened in Hartlepool on Wednesday.

Assistant Chief Constable Felton added that he wanted to "reassure the people of Teesside that we will continue to identify those involved in these acts of violence and arrest them and put them before the courts".