Far-right rioters set a police station on fire in Sunderland after destroying at least two vehicles and clashing with the officers. 

Astonishing footage shared on social media shows a huge blaze erupting from the Sunderland Central Police Station, while bystanders looked on or filmed the incredible scene.  

The incident was confirmed by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, as the force said: “We are attending an incident there at the moment”. 

The fire was likely linked to the ongoing riots in Sunderland, which erupted shortly after the beginning of a planned demonstration in the city by the far-right.

Hundreds of people have also taken to the streets in Liverpool, as the wave of violence continues off the heels of the killing of three children in Southport on Monday. 

Far-right thugs also set a car on fire and severely damaged a police vehicles. Debris could be seen scattered around the city centre after the rioters shashed the windows of at least one building, a gym.

Police had to form a protective ring around a mosque on St Mark’s Road amid fears it would become the target of the rioters, who were reportedly heard chanting in support of Tommy Robinson while insulting Islam.

Police officers were directly attacked by the thugs, who were targeted by horse poo and bricks among other objects.

David Huntley, chief reporter for Sunderland and County Durham at the ChronicleLive, shared a clip on X showing police in riot gear being confronted by a man as they blocked off the bottom of Holmeside.

He added in his social media message: “A lot of racial abuse being spouted. It’s disgusting.”

Northumbria Police wrote on X as the riots were beginning: “We are aware of ongoing disorder in #Sunderland city centre.

“We advise members of the public to avoid the area while officers deal with the situation.”

In a later update, the force added: “Our officers are continuing to deal with ongoing disorder and have been subjected to serious violence.

“The scenes that we are seeing are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Ensuring the public’s safety is our utmost priority.”

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