Radio presenter shares her sorrow after violent protests in her hometown.
Radio and TV presenter Lauren Laverne has expressed her sadness after witnessing the chaos in her hometown of Sunderland, following violent protests on Friday evening. The riots broke out after a planned demonstration linked to the recent knife attack in Southport, which has sparked nationwide tensions.
Laverne, 46, who is known for her role as a presenter on The One Show and BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, shared her feelings on Instagram, stating: “Heartbroken for my hometown last night. Sending love and solidarity to everyone beginning the cleanup today.” She included a picture with the post, showing the aftermath of the unrest.
The unrest in Sunderland is part of a broader wave of planned protests across the UK, with numerous demonstrations taking place in towns and cities nationwide, following the tragic killing of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport earlier this week.
Former Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, also from Sunderland, condemned the violence, calling it “shameful.” Crosby shared a statement from Kim McGuinness, the mayor of the North East, who said that what started as a peaceful protest had been marred by violence. She added on Instagram: “What started as a peaceful protest was completely ruined. Shameful. It really is.”
Meanwhile, Loose Women star Denise Welch, from nearby Tynemouth, voiced her concern over the events, sharing a video of the disorder on X and remarking: “The majority of the lovely Sunderland people will be horrified by these scenes.”
The disturbances saw several incidents, including the looting of a police officer’s vehicle and the setting alight of a Citizens Advice office. Hundreds gathered in Keel Square, where some protesters, draped in England flags, chanted support for English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, while others shouted derogatory remarks about Islam.
