Riots flare up in UK city as police gear up for rough weekend

Rioting erupted late on Aug 2 in north-east England, where police said officers faced "serious and sustained levels of violence", the latest unrest linked to a mass stabbing earlier this week that killed three young girls.

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Eight people were arrested and three officers required hospital treatment following hours of "utterly deplorable" disturbances, Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said.

Two officers remained in hospital early on Aug 3, she added.

Footage broadcast by the BBC showed a mob of several hundred rampaging in Sunderland's city centre, attacking police and setting fire to at least one car and a building next to a police station.

Other images shared on social media showed balaclava-clad youth throwing bricks and other missiles as fireworks and flares were let off.

"The shocking scenes we have witnessed in Sunderland this evening are completely unacceptable," Supt Barron said, adding that the "disorder, violence and damage" seen "will not be tolerated".

"A full investigation is now under way to identify anyone else responsible", in addition to the eight people arrested, she added.

The disorder came as British police nationwide prepared for planned far-right rallies and other demonstrations this weekend after two nights of unrest in several English towns and cities in the wake of the July 29 knife attack.