'Consequences' - senior figures condemn disorder

Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said there will be "consequences" for those carrying out criminal behaviour in the wake of Saturday's disorder.

Twenty five people have so far been arrested after shops were broken into and looted in Hull, with one set on fire.

Police were attacked with bricks and fireworks as trouble flared in the city centre following demonstrations involving anti-immigration protesters and anti-racism campaigners.

The MP for Hull North and Cottingham said action would be taken to "deal with these criminals on our streets, who are causing mayhem and disorder and frightening communities".

Unrest broke out in towns and cities across England following the killing of three young girls in Southport on Monday.

Over the weekend trouble also flared in Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool and Belfast, with protests also taking place elsewhere.

Mrs Johnson said: "When I saw people looting some of the shops in the city centre, that's nothing to do with genuine protest or people having different opinions about immigration.

"That's about criminal behaviour that needs to be dealt with."

She added that some people were "frightened because of the colour of their skin".

"That cannot be right and that is something this government will take every action to deal with," she said.

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison "utterly condemned" the violence and disorder.

He said: "The scenes witnessed are completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"These events do not honour the loss of the three children in Southport and the devastation their families will be facing, where all of our thoughts should be at this moment."

Mr Evison was also "concerned and angry" that police officers were injured and businesses heavily disrupted.

He added: "Humberside Police will work to find the offenders and help bring them to justice."

Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, described the scenes as "appalling" and said it "was not the Hull we know and love".

He said the actions "from a small group of criminals" did not reflect the beliefs of those who genuinely care about the city and their country.

Local rugby club Hull FC also issued a statement, saying they were "appalled by the violent and thuggish acts".

"Racism, violence and vandalism simply has no place in our great city and we unequivocally condemn such behaviour," the club said.

It encouraged supporters to be a welcoming community.

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