City and police chiefs speak out about last night's disorder in Sunderland.
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00:00The same scenes we witnessed in Sunderland last night were appalling and completely unacceptable.
00:06During the course of the evening, our officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence.
00:12This was not a protest. This was unforgivable violence and disorder.
00:18In the face of these attacks, our officers showed unwavering commitment, for which I wholeheartedly thank them.
00:25And I'm sure that the overwhelming majority of the Sunderland people also have that sentiment.
00:30I can confirm that four officers were taken to hospital for treatment last night.
00:35Three received injuries as a direct result of the disorder.
00:39In addition, one of our mounted riders sustained serious injuries in an accident and is receiving treatment in hospital.
00:48I also want to take this opportunity to thank our partners for the significant support they have shown and continue to show.
00:57Now a message for those responsible.
01:00Anyone involved in the disorder can expect to be dealt with robustly and that action has already begun.
01:06Ten people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including violent disorder and burglary.
01:14A full investigation is now underway to identify those responsible.
01:19Make no mistake, if you were involved last night, expect to be met with the full force of the law.
01:25I want to make it absolutely clear that the disorder, violence and damage which has occurred will not be tolerated.
01:33We also know the behaviour displayed in no way represents our friendly and welcoming region.
01:40We therefore want to deliver a further message direct to our communities.
01:44We are aware that criminal actions we saw last night can attempt to drive division amongst us and we are committed to make sure that does not happen.
01:54We have incredibly close knit communities here within the North East region that we are proud to be part of and proud to serve.
02:02This is just one of the reasons which makes our region such a special place to live, work and visit.
02:09We are stronger together.
02:11I want to start by offering on behalf of the people of Sunderland our heartfelt condolences to the people of Southport following the harrowing events on Monday.
02:22What we saw last night in Sunderland was nothing more than mindless violence and disorder led by a minority with an agenda of hate.
02:33What we saw was totally unacceptable.
02:37We know that sadly many of those in our city last night were not from here but came to cause chaos and stoke tensions
02:46and I want to make it clear that there is no place for these people, they are not welcome here.
02:53Our teams have worked through the night to clean up this city.
03:00My huge thanks to them and the emergency services for their work to keep Sunderland and its people safe.
03:08Being here today, seeing volunteers from across our city come together to support that clean up effort is heartening
03:17and reminds us of the warm and friendly place that we know Sunderland to be.