Sunderland riots: Police issue update following 'shameful scenes' as eight arrested and three cops taken to hospital

Eight people have been arrested and three police officers taken to hospital following rioting in Sunderland. It comes after crowds battled cops following a planned protest linked to the deaths of three children in Southport.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said in a statement: “We can confirm that three officers were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries. One has since been discharged with the other two remaining in hospital for further treatment.

“We also thank our partners for the significant support they have shown throughout the evening. Anyone involved in the disorder we have seen can expect to be dealt with robustly – and that action has already begun.

READ MORE: 'The devil who infiltrated our lives'

“Eight people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including violent disorder and burglary. A full investigation is now under way to identify anyone else responsible.”

Hundreds of people gathered in Keel Square, many of them draped in England flags, on Friday evening. Members of the crowd chanted in support of Tommy Robinson, while others shouted insults about Islam.

Mounted police followed the march, along with officers in vans who battled their way through traffic to keep up. However, some protesters descended into violence, setting an overturned car on fire, while others targeted a mosque.

Videos posted on social media appeared to show a fire at a city centre police office, which was marked permanently closed on Google Maps and was no longer listed on a police station finder on Northumbria Police’s website.

Police in protective gear came under sustained attack as rioters set off fire extinguishers on them on High West Street. There was also a standoff between police and