Six months after the Middlesbrough riots, residents share their experiences and the ongoing recovery efforts in the community.
Middlesbrough: Last summer, riots shook the community, leaving a lasting impact. Fear and anger spread as people faced violence and threats. Many felt unsafe in their own homes.
Now, six months later, Teesside Live returned to Newport to talk with locals. Most say things have calmed down, but some still feel the emotional effects.
One resident, Parvez Akhtar, shared how his wife ended up in the hospital after fearing more violence. He has lived in Middlesbrough for over 30 years and owns a phone shop. During the riots, he rushed between his home and shop to protect both.
His family hid inside as gangs caused chaos outside. While some repairs have been made, reminders of that day still linger. The emotional scars remain deep for many.
Parvez recalled a scary moment in November when a group of teens gathered outside his home, causing his wife to panic. She suffered a panic attack and was hospitalized for ten days.
The riots began on August 4, with violence erupting in the town center. CCTV captured groups running through the streets, causing destruction. Police faced assaults while trying to restore order.
Damage was extensive, including £300,000 at Teesside University. A local takeaway closed for two months due to safety concerns. Thankfully, no major incidents followed.
Business owners noted that the troublemakers seemed to be outsiders, often young people. One resident, Theophilous Abiagom, said he felt safe now, despite a close call when a brick nearly hit him.
The riots echoed similar unrest in other UK towns, sparked by false claims on social media. Some believe social media played a role in inciting the violence.
Others pointed to underlying issues like racism and social tensions. A local librarian noted that riots seem to happen every couple of decades, often tied to generational issues.
Community leaders expressed gratitude for the support received during the crisis. They emphasized the importance of unity and healing in the aftermath.
Mayor Chris Cooke acknowledged ongoing fears in the community. He noted that many residents still feel traumatized and need support. Some even requested to relocate after the riots.
He highlighted the need for resources to address underlying issues, like affordable housing. The community is working together to recover and rebuild.
Over 100 arrests have been made, and police continue to investigate. The Chief Constable assured the public that they are committed to pursuing justice.
Efforts are underway to promote community cohesion, with funding allocated for local projects. The council encourages applications from organizations to support positive community actions.
Mayor Cooke believes that the events of last August won’t define Middlesbrough. Instead, he hopes the community will come together to celebrate their resilience.
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