A message from Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, following the disorder in Manvers today

“The scenes in Manvers today confirmed our worst fears about the nature of protests across the country. There can be no excuse for the kind of violence and vandalism we have seen. As others have rightly said it must be met with the full force of the law.

“Those who stood by and simply watched thugs tried to set fire to a building containing other human beings will reflect on what they have become and what they have associated themselves with. Rotherham is better than that. Everywhere is better than that.

“Our council staff are on site and will work with the Police through the night and into tomorrow. Already the best parts of our community are rallying to clean up and restore what has been broken. We will do all we can to ensure that everyone is safe through the days ahead.”