As Mayor for this region, the first to say is this: the appalling behaviour of a violent minority does not represent this region, nor our people and communities in any way shape or form.
The people of Sunderland and the North East are warm, welcoming, hard working and proud.
We're a city of compassion, community, culture and creativity. We will not let anyone stand in the way of these values that bind us together.
We are a place on the up – and we will not let rioters define our reputation and place in the world.
We stand in solidarity with the grieving families and people of Southport. Now it’s vital we bring calm and order back to our streets.
I want to thank the Chief Constable and put on record my deepest thanks and gratitude to the hard working officers who were brave and diligent last night in dealing with the violence.
We are indebted to you for keeping us safe and standing firm in the face of brutality.
I’ve already been in contact with the Home Secretary about last night’s events, and how we can support our police and prosecutors to deal with perpetrators swiftly and firmly.
We must do all we can to support you to face down thugs who threaten the peace in our part of the world.
I also want to thank Sunderland Council and all the services who have worked around the clock and not hesitated to begin the clean up operation, so we restore the city back to the place we recognise.
Today we send a message: we will not tolerate this behaviour on our streets. Hatred is not welcome in Sunderland or the North East. Thugs and rioters will never win.
I know the people of Sunderland and the region will rally round today. Love and pride will always shine through – that's our Sunderland.