Hartlepool arrests for robbery and obstruction as large groups carry out protests outside addresses
A total of five people have now been arrested after separate incidents where large groups of people gathered to protest outside properties in Hartlepool.
Cleveland Police say officers attended a property in town on Friday where a group said to be carrying out a peaceful protest had gathered.
The force said 29-year-old man was assaulted, racially abused and had a bag stolen from him.
He was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, where he remained overnight.
A 54-year-old man from Hartlepool arrested on suspicion of robbery has since been bailed.
Three more men, aged 19, 23, and 25, were also arrested on suspicion of robbery, violent disorder, criminal disorder and using threatening or abusive behaviour to cause alarm and distress.
All three have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Also at around 12.30pm on Saturday, officers were called to a second address in Hartlepool where a group of people were outside a property that had its windows smashed with rocks and bricks while children were present inside.
A 46-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of obstructing or resisting a constable has been bailed.
Police say they will remain in the area over the coming days to provide a highly visible presence and reassurance to the local community.
The incidents are understood not to be connected to wider organised crime investigations.
Superintendent Paul Richardson said: “Whilst police will facilitate a peaceful and lawful protest, any escalation of violence or criminality will be dealt with appropriately and robustly.
“We will not tolerate incidents such as these, where groups of people target individuals and cause people harm or destroy property.
“Anyone who carries out this type of mindless behaviour can expect to be arrested and put before the courts.”
He added: “We will continue arrest anyone suspected of causing disorder or committing violence in our communities. I hope these latest arrests demonstrate we can and will take action.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555111.