Six people arrested after several police officers injured by fireworks thrown at a building engulfed in ‘misinformation’ campaign

Six people have been arrested after police and firefighters were attacked during disorder in Meadow Well, North Tyneside. Police say the unrest followed misinformation that a local building was to become a house of multiple occupancy, and say clarifying its planned use may help stop speculation.

The incident began around 9pm, when officers responding to reports of anti-social behaviour in the Waterville Road area came under attack with bricks and fireworks. Several officers were injured and eight emergency vehicles damaged; those arrested are two men aged 25 and 27, a 27-year-old woman and three teenage boys, all suspected of violent disorder. Police have launched an investigation and increased their presence in the area; the building is planned to be a supermarket with privately rented flats above.