A Citizens Advice office in Sunderland has been badly damaged following riots in the city and across the country over the weekend.
Rioters in Sunderland attacked police officers, and damaged buildings and mosques on Friday evening.
Videos show firefighters tackling the flames and smoke coming out of a Citizens Advice building.
More than £10,000 has been raised for Citizens Advice Sunderland following the damage.
Damage investigated
Denise Irving, chief officer at Citizens Advice Sunderland, said: “This is a devastating situation for our local community. Our primary focus will be ensuring we can continue to support those who need our help.
“Our regular office in Waterloo Place will be closed as the damage is investigated. But our staff and volunteers from Waterloo Place will be at the City Hall in Sunderland from Monday, and our Washington office will be open as usual so we’re still there for people.”
The charity said in a statement on social media that it is working with the team in Sunderland to provide support to them and help them be there for the people who need advice going forward.
Clare Moriarty, chief executive of the national Citizens Advice charity, said: “It’s heartbreaking to see this. Repairing the physical damage in Sunderland will be a huge job but what’s really important is the services they provide.”
She said the staff in Sunderland were determined to continue providing services for the local community and would “need all our support”.
Fundraiser raises over £10,000
A fundraiser has been set up “to assist Citizens Advice Sunderland who have been victim of the horrific riots in Sunderland”.
Let's help Citizens Advice Sunderland rebuild after the horrific riots. They need our support now more than ever. Please donate, like, comment, and share to spread the word. Every bit helps! https://t.co/yqjFGIJPPV
— Citizens Advice Woking (@WokingCA) August 5, 2024
So far, over £10,000 has been raised, surpassing the initial £2,000 goal, with more than 400 donations.
Six people will appear in court on Monday morning after their alleged involvement in riots in Sunderland, with more arrested.
Another fundraising appeal, launched last week following an attack in Southport, Merseyside, has raised over £90,000 so far.
The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) published a statement condemning the violent disorder in recent days.
It said it was working with the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP) to support its members who are:
- Working to get messages out across communities and community organisations on the support available, how to stay safe.
- Helping with local coordination of clean-up efforts where that is safe and appropriate, fundraising and support for communities affected to offer practical support.
- Working with the voluntary, community and faith sector, statutory partners including local authorities and others to start to re-build trust and develop cohesive communities.
Prime minister Keir Starmer is holding a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee today after condemning “far-right thuggery” in a statement yesterday.
Starmer also condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and promised those involved in unrest would face the full force of the law.
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