Businesses caught up in Hull riots speak out

Corey Hunter-Mitchell said there was no excuse for people smashing shop windows or looting

Businesses in Hull that were affected by widespread violence and riots on Saturday have continued with a clean-up operation.

Shops were looted, fires were started, cars were damaged and police officers were attacked following demonstrations involving anti-immigration protesters.

Corey Hunter-Mitchell, who works at Three on King Edward Street, said: "If you want to get a point across there are ways to do that. But smashing up a city and causing violence isn't the way to do it."

To date, Humberside Police have made 29 arrests and investigations to identify others involved continue.

Mr Hunter-Mitchell said the disorder "seemed to flip out of nowhere" and quickly became "violent and aggressive".

"It was disgusting and horrible. There were a lot of people and young people here and to escalate to the point it did was unnecessary," he said.

"I don't think some of them even know why they're angry. Some do and some are voicing opinions but others have no clue what they're standing up for."

David Proudfoot said the team at Specsavers was continuing to work despite the damage at the store

The Specsavers opticians on Jameson Street saw its windows smashed by looters, who also targeted a nearby Greggs and an O2 shop.

David Proudfoot, a director at the business, said: "The first priority was the safety of our customers and we now need to make sure we look after them.

"The staff were anxious but they've all been back in today. We have a diverse team who have come from all over the world but they're feeling confident about getting back to business.

"It's a small minority that have caused a lot of damage which is unfortunate, but we'll deal with it."

Kathryn Shillito said the violent scenes in the city centre were "devastating"

Kathryn Shillito, executive director of Hull BID, a group which promotes the city centre, had met staff at Shoezone, which was looted and smashed up.

She said: "It's devastating. There has been a lot of damage but the team are keen to get back up and running.

"It's disgraceful. These are ordinary people trying to earn a living. If people think they have a right to steal then they are damaging the people that work there, the business and the reputation of the city.

"We're a welcoming city. We get people coming in and they love it. I hope the full force of the law is after those responsible."

Stuart Sheriff, the manager of Blacks, closed his store early

Further down the street, Stuart Sheriff, the manager of Blacks, said he and his staff had been fortunate compared with their neighbours.

"We were lucky. We were open on Saturday but we closed early because it was absolute chaos," he said.

"It escalated and people came just to trash the city. It was definitely criminal thuggery. It's impacting businesses and people's lives. It is just not on."