LIVE Police stations 'destroyed' and cars in flames as rioters bring havoc to streets of Sunderland

There are scenes of destruction on the streets of Sunderland tonight (August 2) following clashes between protesters and police.

Images from the city show a car overturned and in flames after a demonstration flared into violent scenes of unrest and disorder. Hundreds of people have gathered following the Southport stabbings earlier this week, when three schoolgirls were killed.

Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were tragically killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift themed dance class. Riots have previously taken place in Southport, Hartlepool and London, the Chronicle reports.

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Sunderland's main police station is also believed to have been torched. English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson posted a video on X which showed the police station ablaze, with the words: "You should've listened @Keir_Starmer."

Shops in north east city are understood to have been looted, as images from the scene show a storefront with its glass smashed through. Members of the public are captured running inside.

Sunderland councillor Kelly Chequer slammed the protestors as "mindless thugs" stoking hatred.

This is an ongoing incident. Follow the live blog below for updates

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said:

"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."

Images from earlier this evening show a police car in Sunderland city centre has been completely smashed up.

According to our sister site the Chronicle, there is still a police presence at the mosque on St Marks Road but there are no