Police attacked during disorder at Meadow Well over HMO rumour

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 15:13 · Archive

Police were attacked with bricks, missiles and fireworks during pre-arranged disorder in Meadow Well, North Tyneside, sparked by false claims a building would become an HMO.

Violence erupted on the Meadow Well estate in North Tyneside on the evening of 5 November after large crowds gathered and attacked police and emergency services. Officers responding to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Waterville Road area at 9pm were subjected to attacks with bricks, missiles and fireworks. Northumbria Police described the disorder as 'pre-arranged'.

The violence was sparked by false rumours circulating in the community that a completed building on the estate would be used as a house in multiple occupation (HMO). Police and the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness confirmed the rumour was inaccurate. The site is planned for use as a supermarket. The false claims also prompted mentions that the building would house asylum seekers, though the outlets do not directly quote this allegation being made by those responsible for the disorder.

Several police officers were injured in the attacks. A total of eight emergency vehicles were damaged during the violence. Police units created a barricade around the building in an attempt to defuse the unrest.

Northumbria Police condemned the behaviour as 'completely unacceptable' and said officers were working to identify those responsible. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness branded those involved 'idiots'. Chief Superintendent Daniel Whyte, area commander for North Tyneside, praised the 'commitment and professionalism' of officers and firefighters who came under attack.

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. Those arrested include two men aged 25 and 27, a 27-year-old woman, and three teenage boys. Northumbria Police said anyone involved in the disorder can expect further investigation.

How it is being reported

• Six arrested after police officers injured in 'shocking' North Tyneside Bonfire Night violenceEmergency services came under attack with bricks and fireworks at the Meadow Well estateThe Independent · 6 Nov, 15:05
• Six people arrested after several police officers injured by fireworks thrown at a building engulfed in 'misinformation' campaignSix people have been arrested after violence erupted in North Tyneside with police officers coming under fire from bricks and fireworks. Northumbria Police said it had been responding to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Waterville Road area of Meadow Well at 9pm last night when its crews were attacked. The disorder saw several officers injured, while a total of eight emergency vehicles were damaged. It was understood a protest erupted in the area amid fears that a building would be used as a house of multi-occupancy (HMO). On Friday, Northumbria Police said two men aged 25 and 27, a…GB News · 6 Nov, 12:43
• Thugs launch bricks, missiles and fireworks at police as they set fire to building they wrongly claim is going to be a HMO for asylum seekersThe 'pre-arranged' disorder erupted on the Meadow Well estate in North Shields following the spreading of the false rumour, Northumbria Police said.Daily Mail · 6 Nov, 08:45
• Police attacked in Bonfire Night filled with violence at 'pre-arranged' disorderPolice have been subjected to attacks with bricks, missiles, and fireworks in one town where 'pre-arranged' violence has escalated over fake rumours that an HMO will be built, with the area's mayor branding those involved 'idiots'The Mirror · 6 Nov, 00:02

In this story: Meadow Well · North Tyneside · Northumbria Police · Kim McGuinness · Daniel Whyte · Newcastle-upon-Tyne · Glasgow · Edinburgh

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log