Investigation underway following violent disorder in Hartlepool

Officers have so far made eleven arrests in connection with disorder that occurred following a protest in the town that began at 6pm on Wednesday 31 July.

The arrests made last night were seven men, one juvenile and one woman, aged between 14 and 54, have been arrested on suspicion of various offences including violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. They remain in police custody for questioning.

During the violence that involved approximately 150 people meeting at the Cenotaph and descending on to Murray Street and the surrounding area, four police officers deployed to the disorder suffered minor injuries.

Police are appealing directly for witnesses regarding other criminal behaviour that occurred, including the arson of a police vehicle on Dent Street and the assault of a young person that was also captured on a mobile phone. The footage was circulated on social media, which showed he had been punched to the face in what appears to be an unprovoked attack. It is believed to have occurred on Lowthian Road and detectives are urging the individual, or anyone who may knows who they might be, to come forward and contact police as well as providing information that will lead to the attacker.

Prior to the protest, officers identified the suspected organiser and arrested a 51-year-old man from Hartlepool on suspicion of distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred. He has since been released on conditional bail while enquires are ongoing.

A woman, aged 28, also from the Hartlepool area was arrested on Wednesday 31 July prior to the protest. She was detained on suspicion of unlawfully obtaining or disclosing protected information and distributing written materials to stir up racial hatred relating to personal information placed on social media and has since been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.

Officers will continue to have a visible presence in the area to reassure and protect the community.

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton, from Cleveland Police, said: “The violent disorder that occurred last night has understandably shocked and saddened those living in Hartlepool and across Teesside.

“Our officers go above and beyond to protect the safety of our community day in and day out, they should never be subjected to the attacks they faced last night. I would also like to thank the support we received from our neighbouring forces in the North East.

“Since the disorder, officers have received messages of support from members of the public and we are grateful for this in what was a challenging night.

“We have already made numerous arrests and a full criminal investigation is taking place to identify and detain the individuals who brought this violence to our neighbourhoods.

“Please be reassured that those who were involved will be robustly dealt with and this should send a clear message to them that we will be relentless in our pursuit.”

If you have information, dash cam or mobile footage relating to the disorder please submit it to the dedicated Cleveland Police major incident policing portal by clicking on this Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

Information can also be provided by contacting Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 145045 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.