Britain braces for weekend of riots and unrest as prison cells are cleared and lawyers put on standby
Protests in Sunderland turned violent last night
PA
Britain is bracing for a weekend of riots and unrest, with rallies planned across the country.
More than 35 demonstrations are due to take place in towns and cities, raising fears of further attacks on police, similar to the scenes we've seen this week already.
Plans have been drawn up to move prisoners to different jails around the country in order to free up more cells in the at risk areas.
Extra lawyers have also been put on standby in preparation to crackdown on protesters who break the law.
Protests in Sunderland turned violent last nightPADetails of the planned demonstrations for this weekend have been spread by far-right social media accounts and groups on encrypted messaging apps as they seek to whip up crowds.
This comes after a police station was set ablaze last night in Sunderland, as protesters clashed with officers outside a mosque in the city.
Drivers tooted their horns as vehicles passed the gathering at Keel Square.
There was a loud cheer as a march set off shortly before 7pm.
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Sunderland Central Police Station was set ablazeGB NewsA large police presence was watching the marchers, some of whom were draped in England flags.
An eyewitness told GB News: “It was absolute chaos, protesters were throwing objects at cars and at police officers.
"A fire broke out at the police station while people started to run away. Groups of demonstrators have taken over the city centre."
A Sunderland local told GB News: "I was drinking in a pub which had to lock its doors due to rioters trying to get in and cause trouble.
A car was set ablaze in SunderlandPA"We could see City Hall 500 metres away and hear the sirens. It was mostly young kids between 13 and 15 causing trouble."
They added: "We saw police horses getting stuff thrown at them and people throwing petrol bombs."
One eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous added: "Bricks were thrown at my car while driving down Hylton Road with my child in the back.
"People do mental stuff because they know they won’t get caught. If I had stopped I think they would have dragged me out and hurt me and my child. It was terrifying."