Protesters hurl rocks at taxis transporting NHS nurses in Sunderland riots

In the latest act of violence and disorder as part of the ongoing Sunderland riots, taxis transporting NHS nurses were subjected to attacks by protesters as they threw rocks. Filipino nurses on their way to an emergency hospital shift were unexpectedly caught up in the chaos as rioters set a police station ablaze.

Speaking to the Mirror, a source said: “They were in two different taxis and had been called in because of the trouble as emergency cover. They managed to get through but they were obviously fearful about what might happen to them.”

According to the source, the two nurses were in separate taxis when rioters attacked with rocks and missiles. “They were both very shaken by the incident,” they said.

Employees at Sunderland Royal Hospital are being urged to voice any concerns they may have about their commute home due to the riots. Ken Bremner, CEO of the Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Trust, is reassuring international staff know that the recent issues don’t represent the true nature of the city’s people.

In the wake of the unrest following the stabbing in Southport, Sunderland Football Club spoke out on social media to condemn the behaviour and encourage unity. “The city will forever be for all,” the club said.

In response to the ongoing riots across the UK, the government has been “reassured” that police have the resources they need to deal with disorder, a Home Office minister has said. Asked whether enough was being done to tackle the unrest, Dame Diana Johnson told BBC News she wanted to send “a very clear message” that those involved would be brought to justice.

It comes as the Police Federation voiced concerns that officers may not be able to attend other incidents as they scramble to respond to the widespread disorder. “We have been reassured that the police have the resources that they need to be able to deal with what’s happening at the moment,” Dame Diana said.

“They have long-standing plans in place for mutual aid if they need to put extra police officers into certain parts of the country. We are certainly not hearing that things like 999 calls are not being answered.” The policing minister insisted there would be “penalties and consequences” for criminal disorder and it would “not be tolerated.”

According to the Press Association (PA), No 10 sources have sought to shut down claims that Sir Keir Starmer is planning a summer getaway on Monday, as the prospect of further unrest across parts of the country looms. PA says it understands that the Prime Minister is not going on holiday at the start of next week.

Critics including sources close to Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick had suggested he should “cancel this Nero-esque holiday”. Mr Jenrick said it would be “completely wrong for the Prime Minister to holiday while parts of Britain are burning”.