Violent clashes have erupted in Sunderland, northeast England, as hundreds of people took to the streets, attacking police and setting fires.

The unrest follows the tragic killing of three children at a dance class earlier in the week, which sparked widespread outrage and anti-immigrant protests.

Despite authorities’ efforts to quell the violence, eight people were arrested, and three police officers were hospitalized.

The police chief condemned the “utterly deplorable” disturbances, emphasizing that the “disorder, violence, and damage” would not be tolerated.

The riots were fueled by misinformation circulating online, which wrongly attributed the killings to a Muslim immigrant.

However, the alleged perpetrator has been identified as a 17-year-old Christian born in the UK.

The situation has drawn widespread condemnation from authorities and community leaders, who have denounced the violence as “inexcusable criminality.”

Counter-protests have emerged, with residents rallying to protect a local mosque from far-right extremists.

As the UK braces for further protests, with over 30 rallies planned, the government has issued a stern warning to those engaging in violent unrest, vowing to deploy the full force of the law.