Arrest following violent disorder in Darlington

One person has been arrested following violent disorder in Darlington yesterday evening (August 5).

Dozens of police officers were deployed to the North Lodge Park area after two large groups of mostly males had gathered shortly after 9pm.

This resulted in small pockets of serious violence, which saw bricks being thrown at police officers who attended the scene.  

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and possession of a controlled drug. He has been taken to police custody where he remains this morning.

Section 60 and 60AA powers have been authorised in the area, giving officers enhanced stop and search capabilities and authority to order people to remove face coverings which are intended to disguise or conceal their appearance.

Assistant Chief Constable Richie Allen, from Durham Constabulary, said: “What we have been dealing with tonight in Darlington has been sporadic pockets of violent disorder involving groups of people intent on causing serious harm to our communities and their property.

“We deployed a number of officers to the scene who worked throughout the night to disperse those involved.

“We were supported by officers from Cleveland and Northumbria Police and were assisted by our partners at the fire and ambulance service at the scene, for which I am grateful.

“We will not tolerate violent disorder in our communities. If you were there committing criminal acts, we will do everything in our power to find you and deal with you robustly.”

If you have any information that could assist identifying those responsible for this disorder, please contact us on 101, or use the live chat function on our website.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-org.uk