Research project to examine cause of city disorder

Riot police were deployed in Stoke-on-Trent in August after hundreds of people protested

A research project costing £70,000 will look into the reasons behind last summer's disorder in Stoke-on-Trent.

The city centre was the scene of violent disorder on 3 August as protesters clashed with counter-protesters following the fatal stabbings in Southport.

It was one of a number of demonstrations which took place across the country after three girls were murdered at a children's dance class on 29 July.

Stoke-on-Trent city council said it would investigate community concerns, "feelings of belonging" and other underlying issues that contributed to the protests.

The council said the research project would be carried out between March and June by an external organisation to ensure it was seen as independent with a final report expected in July.

The researchers will be asked to speak to "marginalised" groups who do not normally engage with mainstream services as well as those who took part in the disorder.

It is one of a number of initiatives funded through the £600,000 community recovery grant allocated to Stoke-on-Trent following the riots.

City council leader Jane Ashworth said it would be "confronting some uncomfortable realities" and also "engaging in difficult but necessary conversations".

The eventual aim, the council said, is to improve community cohesion and trust between groups and to collect insights to inform future initiatives.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.