The Evening Gazette reports on public order arrests following a disturbance near the Jamia mosque in Darlington, County Durham involving individuals thought to be members of the English Defence League.

From the paper:

“Two Teessiders were arrested after a "large scale disorder" near to a mosque.

“The disturbance close to the Jamia Mosque, in Darlington, involved a group of around 30.

“It is thought to have involved members of the far-right English Defence League and police believe it was racially motivated.

“A 17-year-old from Middlesbrough was charged with causing a public order offence and is due to appear at Darlington Youth Court on May 27, while a 49-year-old Redcar man was arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed pending further enquiries.

“A 40-year-old man from Spennymoor was also charged with causing a public order offence.

“Police attended the North Lodge Park area of the town at 4.20pm on Saturday after a large group had gathered in the vicinity of the mosque.

“Superintendent Paul Unsworth, of Durham Police, said: “These people were acting in a rowdy, abusive and offensive manner. We believe their actions were racially motivated.

““Officers attended to ensure the crowd dispersed without causing further disruption or disorder.””