City Council statement on 'totally unacceptable' disorder

We are appalled by the events that have unfolded, the outbreak of violence in our city centre is totally unacceptable and an insult to the memory of the victims tragically killed in Southport.

It is an insult too, to our law-abiding residents and the businesses based here.

It is clear that many of the perpetrators were not from Sunderland but - alongside a small minority of our residents - had come to the city centre intent on causing harm and creating chaos.

We will do everything in our power to support the authorities to ensure they are brought to account for their actions.

Our environmental services teams have been working through the night to begin the clean-up process and we will work with partners to ensure the city is a safe place in which to live, work and visit.

Sunderland is known for being a warm and friendly place, these events are not a reflection of this proud city and its people.

We know those people will come together, as they always do, in the days ahead to restore calm for our communities.