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 ( 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 ( 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.

In the aftermath of the riots in Sunderland linked to the Southport knife attack, the city’s community leaders have come together to denounce the violence and call for peace and unity. Local business owners have also been vocal in their support for the cleanup efforts and have offered their assistance in any way possible.

Citizens of Sunderland have taken to social media to express their sadness and disappointment over the events that transpired on Friday evening. Many have shared messages of solidarity and empathy for those affected by the senseless violence.

Local influencers and activists have organized community meetings to promote dialogue and understanding among residents, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and respectful discourse.

The city of Sunderland is known for its strong sense of community and resilience, and residents are determined to come together in the wake of this tragedy.

Plans for peaceful demonstrations and solidarity marches are being discussed, with the aim of sending a powerful message of unity and healing. Local artists and musicians are also organizing events to raise funds for the families of the victims and support the ongoing cleanup efforts.

As the city begins the process of recovery, community leaders are calling for calm and cooperation from all residents. The focus is on rebuilding trust and fostering positive relationships among neighbors, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

Sunderland is a city with a proud history and a bright future, and its residents are committed to creating a peaceful and inclusive environment for all.

Together, we can overcome this difficult time and emerge stronger than ever. Let’s stand together as a community, support one another, and work towards a brighter tomorrow for Sunderland. Love and solidarity will guide us through these challenging times, and together we will rebuild and thrive once again.