Six people arrested after several police officers injured by fireworks thrown at a building engulfed in ‘misinformation’ campaign

The disorder saw several officers injured, while a total of eight emergency vehicles were damaged.

It is understood a protest erupted in the area amid fears that a building would be used as a house of multi-occupancy (HMO).

On Friday, Northumbria Police said two men aged 25 and 27, a 27-year-old woman, and three teenage boys, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte, area commander for North Tyneside, said: “The shocking scenes we witnessed last night in the Meadow Well were completely unacceptable.

“Our officers and firefighters were met with violence, including fireworks and bricks being thrown at them and their vehicles.

“I want to recognise their commitment and professionalism and the ongoing support we have received from our partners.”

The senior officer added: “We believe the disorder relates to misinformation that the building is going to be used as a house of multi-occupancy – which is not accurate.

“The site is planned for use as a supermarket with flats above for private rent. We are sharing this information to stop speculation in the community.”

Chief Superintendent Whyte confirmed an investigation has been launched to identify those involved the violence and said there would be an increased police presence in the area to “offer reassurance”.

He warned: “We have already arrested six people in connection with what happened – but we haven’t stopped there. Anyone involved should be expecting a knock on the door.”

North Tyneside mayor Karen Clark, meanwhile, branded the unrest “appalling and completely unacceptable”.

She blasted: “There is no excuse for this kind of violence and disorder, particularly when emergency services are being attacked simply for doing their jobs.

“I know how much pride the people of Meadow Well take in their community and how upsetting and frightening these scenes will have been for residents.

“The actions of a minority must not be allowed to overshadow the many decent, law-abiding people who live there.”

Last night, similar scenes of mayhem erupted in Scotland, with a police vehicle set alight and ambulance workers targeted with fireworks.

Firefighters had to withdraw after facing anti-social behaviour while attending bin fires in Edinburgh, while officers and ambulance crews were called to reports of an injured male on Greenside Street in the Hogganfield area of Glasgow shortly before 8pm.

Police Scotland confirmed a total of seven arrests were made across the country amid a large police operation to deal with disorder on Bonfire Night, known as Operation Amberlight.

The policing operation saw Police Scotland call on forces in England and Wales for assistance, mounting its biggest deployment of officers since US President Donald Trump visited last year.

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