A FORMER cop has slammed yobs for using officers for ‘target practice’ and says violent clashes need to stop.
Detective Peter Bleksley was speaking after bricks were hurled at police who tried to fend off crowds of protestors amid a violent clash in Hartlepool.
It came just hours after more than 100 were arrested for similar stand-off at Downing Street.
The brutality followed the horror that unfolded on Monday at a Merseyside holiday dance class, which left three innocent schoolgirls dead and five more still fighting for their lives.
Former Met cop Peter told The Sun: “This type of behavior is actually one of two things – robust proactive on the front foot policing that simply puts it down, that quells the disturbances.
“The other option, which really is so difficult is to withdraw and not be a target for rioters. But then, of course, there is greater concerns.
“If the police are not there, basically as target practice, what are they going to take out their anger on, and that could, of course, be innocent members of the public.
“So very difficult situations, incredibly challenging for those holding the shields and those who are in charge, but on night two the officers will now be thinking, will this repeat itself again tonight?
“In other parts of the UK. The entire police service of Britain is on red alert, rightfully so. Let’s hope we have no more of this.”
Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, 17, was last night charged with the murder of Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe – and 10 counts of attempted murder.
He appeared in Liverpool City Magistrates’ Court today, and was unmasked.
But ahead of the charge, protestors spilled onto the streets of Hartlepool.
Horror footage showed the violent clash at its peak – with cops in riot suits battling to hold the masses at bay.
Bricks and bottles were lobbed at the police, as they fought to push the crowds back.
In another shocking clip a blaze could be seen tearing through a cop car – the second that has been set alight in two days.
A massive bang was heard as its fuel tank went up in flames, eventually leaving the car a charred shell.
Snaps then showed fire crews battling to extinguish the blaze.
Cleveland Police confirmed that four people had been arrested for various offences including public order and affray.
Several officers suffered injuries after missiles were launched by yobs amid the chaos.
Chief Superintendent David Sutherland said on Wednesday night: “We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening.
“At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.
“Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community.
“I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area.”
It came just hours after riots broke out outside Downing Street – seeing flares and bricks hurled near the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence.
One hundred people were arrested with a number of protesters detained as police drove them into Trafalgar Square.
Several men were wrestled to the floor and handcuffed as cops managed to slowly get a handle on the situation.
Tuesday’s riots in Southport saw protesters try and attack a mosque with police vehicles set ablaze.
Cops suffered serious injuries when bricks, stones and bottles were thrown in chaotic scenes.
Merseyside Police said more than 50 officers were injured amid the disorder.
The night prior, riots broke out in Southport.
Speculation about the alleged attacker’s identity circulated online, seeing the tension that already existed after Monday’s horrific attack explode.
Despite social media claims, cops stressed that the suspect was born in Cardiff.
The mum of Elsie Stancombe – one of three victims so far from the attack – had condemned the violence and urged protesters to stop after the riots in her town.
In a message widely shared online, Jenni Stancombe said: “This is the only thing that I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight.
“The police have been nothing but heroic these last 24 hours and they and we don’t need this.”
