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Leaders in north-east England have issued a call for calm days after police and businesses were targeted in riots.

The seven council leaders in the region said it was "business as usual" after violence erupted in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool.

Unrest spread after the Southport attack in which three young girls were stabbed to death last week.

The region's mayor Kim McGuinness also urged people to stop sharing "unfounded" social media rumours.

On Wednesday evening thousands turned out in Newcastle's West End, many waving anti-racism banners, in a protest that was largely peaceful.

In a statement, the leaders said: "We are determined that the actions of a minority will not stand in the way of people going about their daily lives."

Ms McGuinness and the leaders of Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Gateshead and Northumberland councils praised Wednesday's peaceful counter-protests as "truly a sight to behold".

They added: "We will continue to work with our communities, our region’s police forces and partners to maintain the peace and keep things calm.

"A robust policing presence has been prepared, officer leave has been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe.

"Everyone has a part to play in ensuring calm and peace prevail."

Some pubs and shops closed early on Wednesday due to fears of potential unrest.

Metro operator Nexus said all services were running normally on Saturday but that Monument station would be shut.

It did say however, that the station may open later in the day.

Newcastle's Tyneside Cinema and Lit & Phil library will also be closed on Saturday.

The statement from council leaders added: "We live in a proud region made up of diverse communities with a hard-earned reputation for being a friendly and welcoming part of the country.

"We reiterate our thanks to our police forces for keeping our neighbourhoods and businesses safe, and to our communities and partners for their continued efforts to bring people together."

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