Support offered to residents affected by riots

Support sessions are being offered at the Newport Hub in Middlesbrough

Support sessions are being offered to people affected by recent riots.

Middlesbrough Council is providing help at its Newport Hub from Monday, following rioting and violence in the town earlier this month.

Disorder swept through a number of towns and cities after false claims the person responsible for fatally stabbing three young girls in Southport had arrived in the UK illegally.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: "As we move on, it's important that we extend support to those whose homes and lives were the worst affected by the disorder."

A mob of rioters descended on Middlesbrough on Sunday 3 August.

Cars were set alight, front doors kicked in and more than 40 arrest were made by Cleveland Police.

Mr Cooke said: "The scenes of violence and hate seen on our streets were abhorrent and unacceptable, but in the past week we have seen our town come together to prove it is a welcoming place with an unbreakable community spirit."

Cars and properties were damaged during a riot in Middlesbrough

From Monday, housing and welfare advice, victim care services and support to those who were left anxious and fearful in the aftermath of the violence will be offered to residents.

Drop-in sessions will run from 09:00 to 17:00 BST on Monday to Thursday, organisers said.

The council also asked residents to use an online form to feedback how they would like to be supported.