Meadow Well: 17 arrested following Bonfire Night riot in North Shields
The net continues to tighten around those involved in disorder on Bonfire Night in Meadow Well – as the total number of people arrested rises to 17.
Just before 8pm on Thursday (November 5), emergency services were alerted to a gathering of people outside a premises in Waterville Road.
It was reported those in attendance were attacking the building with fireworks and deliberately rammed the premises with a car.
When emergency services arrived, they were subsequently subject to attack.
A number of officers were injured as a result.
Five police cars and three fire engines were also damaged.
It is thought that the group wrongly believed the building was to become a House of Multi-occupancy (HMO) – however the site is planned to become a supermarket with private flats above.
By Friday morning (November 6), six people were in custody in police custody.
Since then, 11 more people have been arrested between the ages of 12 and 66 years old.
Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte, of Northumbria Police, the Area Commander for North Tyneside said: “We have made further arrests over the weekend as our full investigation into Thursday’s appalling incident continues.
“I would like to reassure the public that our investigative efforts will not stop, and further arrests are expected in the coming days.
“If you were involved in the disorder on Thursday night – expect to be sat in one our cells soon.
“We will absolutely not tolerate the behaviour seen in the Meadow Well, now, or ever and will do our utmost to trace those responsible and have them brought to justice.”
Ch Supt Whyte added: “We thank those who have provided information towards our investigation and shown support for our officers.
“We also recognise the overwhelming number of people in the community will condemn this type of behaviour – and the response we have seen with information which has helped us make these arrests clearly demonstrates this.
"If you’ve got information which could help us bring those who committed these offences to justice, please get in touch.
“Since the disorder occurred, there has been an increased police presence in the area which will continue to offer reassurance to the community.”
Of those arrested, 15 are currently on police bail and two have been released and will face no further action.