In summer last year Hartlepool hit the headlines as rioters took to our streets and waged war. But one year on, the town is hoping they won't be remembered for those scenes - but how it is rebuilding hope. As part of our series of articles looking back at the summer riots, Kayleigh Fraser explores how a community centre at the forefront of the clean up effort is determined not to let the scenes of destruction define them.
Looking back to the night of July 31, 2024, images of chaos, violence and destruction come to mind. Windows were smashed, cars were torched and riot police attacked after a "protest" erupted into violence.
The disorder left a shameful stain on Hartlepool's history with dozens appearing in the dock for their part in the chaos. However, one year on, community leaders are "determined" to show peace has been restored.
At the forefront of the clean up effort was The Salaam Community Centre, on Murray Road.
The centre, that supports 1,000 people a month, runs a warm hub, community pantry, gives out housing and benefits advice, and even has a men's pie club.
The community hub is determined to keep growing and continue to support the people of Hartlepool.
"One year on from the unrest that took place in Hartlepool, The Salaam Community Centre and the wider community are determined not to be defined by that single evening, but instead remembered for the spirit of unity and action that followed," a spokesperson told The Northern Echo.
"Today, the Salaam Community Centre is not just a building on Murray Street – it is a symbol of resilience, hope, and progress.
"From street clean-ups to outreach work, emergency health resources to friendship across communities, it represents the very best of what Hartlepool can be."
Following the unrest, the centre also benefited from funding designed to support "healing and growth" in the town.
But rather than using the money for centre upkeep, it was instead spent on installing a defibrillator and bleed kit on Murray Road.
"It reminded us that Hartlepool is full of kind, caring people. We are proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year, and we look forward to building an even stronger community together."
Read more:
- What I witnessed on the night of the Hartlepool riot will live long in the memory
- Man hands himself in to the police after being involved in Hartlepool riot
- Couple bitten by police dog jailed for 'disgraceful' behaviour in Hartlepool riots
- Teenager who 'got carried along with crowd' behind bars after Hartlepool riots
In the days that followed the riot in Hartlepool, similar pockets of unrest were contained in Sunderland and Middlesbrough - all sparked by the murder of three girls.
Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine were killed while attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class in Southport on Monday, July 29.
Their killer, then 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana was sentenced in January to a minimum of 52 years in prison for their murders.
Share