Denise Welch and Lauren Laverne lead stars slamming Sunderland riots as protests turn violent

A host of celebrities have condemned the use of violence in Sunderland in riots linked to the Southport knife attack

Radio and TV presenter Lauren Laverne has said she is “heartbroken” for her home city after disorder in Sunderland.

Rioters battled police in the city centre on Friday evening after a planned protest linked to the Southport knife attack.

Dozens of demonstrations are planned over the weekend in towns and cities around the country as tensions remain high after the killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club on Monday.

A demonstration takes place in Sunderland city centre following a mass stabbing in Southport which saw the deaths of three little girls.
A demonstration takes place in Sunderland city centre following a mass stabbing in Southport which saw the deaths of three little girls 
Image:
Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
Laverne, 46, known for presenting on The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, said in a post to Instagram : “Heartbroken for my hometown last night. Sending love and solidarity to everyone beginning the cleanup today. Pic via @poprecs #sunderland.”

Former Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, who is also from Sunderland, called the violence “shameful”.

She re-posted a statement from mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness to Instagram and wrote: “What started as a peaceful protest was completely ruined. Shameful. It really is.”

Violent scenes in Sunderland on Friday resulted in four offices being injured
Violent scenes in Sunderland on Friday resulted in four offices being injured 
Image:
PA Wire/PA Images)Loose Women star Denise Welch, who is from the nearby town of Tynemouth, shared a video of the disorder to X and said: “The majority of the lovely Sunderland people will be horrified by these scenes.”

During the violence in Sunderland city centre a police office was looted and a Citizens Advice office set alight.

Hundreds of people gathered in Keel Square, many of them draped in England flags, and members of the crowd chanted in support of English Defence League Tommy Robinson, while others shouted insults about Islam.

Related Posts

Prince Harry’s secret visa files released – but key question remains over drug use

The conservative Heritage Foundation had campaigned to have Prince Harry’s Visa application released after he admitted to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms A US judge has…

Zara McDermott shakes off Sam Thompson dig as she ‘moves fast’ with Louis Tomlinson

Zara McDermott was recently spotted on a date with Louis Tomlinson as pals have claimed the pair are ‘moving fast’ but are ‘happy’ for them – while…

Paddy McGuinness puts lavish £6.5m home on the market as Christine ‘desperate’ to move on

Christine McGuinness is said to be feeling ‘desperate’ to start a fresh as her estranged husband Paddy McGuinness has put their former marital home up for sale…

Victoria Beckham confirms part in Jennifer Aniston’s ex Justin Theroux’s wedding

Victoria Beckham confirmed she had a huge role in Jennifer Aniston’s ex-husband Justin Theroux’s wedding to Nicole Brydon Bloom Victoria Beckham confirms part in Jennifer Aniston’s ex…

Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches joins Emmerdale in mysterious new role

Celebrity Big Brother star and Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches has joined the cast of Emmerdale in a mysterious new role, with the scenes set to debut in…

Coleen Nolan interrupts Loose Women co-star to take swipe at ex-husband

Loose Women took an awkward turn on Tuesday when Coleen Nolan made a savage Alfie Moon comment Loose Women: Coleen asks Charlene about her first child’s name…