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County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said:
“I am appalled by the sickening scenes witnessed in Hartlepool and across the country in the wake of the Southport atrocities.
“This violence is being inflicted by thugs who are unashamedly using the tragedy as an excuse to bring fear, harm and intimidation at a time when our communities are in grief and shock.
“I would like to thank Durham Constabulary officers for their courage and bravery in supporting their colleagues on the streets of Hartlepool in what has been a very challenging and dangerous situation. Regrettably, one of our officers was injured during the unrest alongside several policing colleagues from other forces. I wish them a speedy recovery, their bravery in seeking to keep us safe is inspiring.
“The mindless rioters responsible for these offences must be punished and held accountable for their actions. This includes those who plant the seed of such clashes under the cloak of anonymity on social media.
“There is absolutely no place for the hatred witnessed in Cleveland and in our towns and cities across the UK – it does not represent the hearts and minds of the people living within these communities who stand for respect, tolerance and kindness.
“I will continue to offer my full support to Chief Constable Rachel Bacon and our colleagues in Cleveland and beyond as they respond to the unrest and seek to bring peace, justice and reassurance in these areas.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of the three little girls killed in Southport and those critically injured and recovering. There are no words to express our sorrow for the unimaginable grief they are feeling.”
Two dedicated rural crime prevention champions have received awards for their outstanding efforts.
PCC has shared details of significant projects underway to protect rural communities and businesses from crime as a national week of action launches.
