LONDON - Protesters attacked police and started fires in the northeast English city of Sunderland on Friday (Aug 2) as violence spread to another northern city following Monday's killing of three children in Southport.

Anti-immigrant demonstrators threw stones at police in riot gear near a mosque in the city before overturning vehicles, setting a car alight and starting a fire next to a police office, the BBC said.

Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said in a statement, "The safety of the public is our utmost priority and when we became aware that a protest had been planned, we ensured there was an increased policing presence in the city,"

"During the course of the evening those officers were met with serious and sustained levels of violence, which is utterly deplorable."

Three police officers were taken to hospital for treatment, and eight people have so far been arrested for offences such as violent disorder and burglary, Barron added.

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