The leader of Newcastle City Council has released a statement of support for communities living in fear following violent disorder across the country.
Cllr Nick Kemp has reassured communities after reports circulated of protest activity planned for Newcastle, saying the city will be "open for business."
He said the Council is working closely with Northumbria Police and partners around the city to ensure mitigation is in place if any disorder does take place.
Cllr Nick Kemp said: "This has been a difficult week for the entire nation. A week of tragedy, fear and violence. A week that started with incomprehensible brutality and ended with a country on fire.
"I will always respect the right to peaceful protest. It is fundamental to our democracy and politicians such as myself and my colleagues must face the scrutiny of our communities.
"But I am not infringing on any right to protest when I say looting shops, assaulting strangers, burning cars and attacking police officers is unacceptable.
“We are all aware of the activity of the far right inciting racist actions across the country and stirring up unrest in communities. Misinformation spread on social media has led to innocent communities across the country targeted in mindless violence. What we have seen are not protests, they’re riots.
“As I have said in statements over the weekend, the actions taken by a minority of thugs, who are hellbent on causing damage, undermine any cause they are purporting to champion, and do nothing but damage our area, community, and local businesses.
“I hope that anybody involved in the criminality we have seen feels the full force of the law and I will support any efforts that make this happen.
“It has been so horrifying to see that many of those involved in violent behaviour this week have been young people, children in balaclavas throwing missiles at police.
“Our communities need investment, our young people need hope and support. There are fantastic interventions taking place across Newcastle but this demonstrates we must do more.
"Newcastle has always been an inclusive and welcoming city. Our people have a reputation for being some of the friendliest in the country. None of us want to see that destroyed.
"Many of you will have been aware of reports of a planned protest this coming weekend. It is planned in the city centre on what is expected to be a busy day in Newcastle.
"We are expecting tens of thousands in the city for the football at St James' Park and many more enjoying what our shops, restaurants, bars and culture venues have to offer.
"Some of our residents, particularly those from the diverse communities we are so proud of, may be scared to come into our city because of the prospect of violent disorder.
"My colleagues and I have received messages from mosques, temples, churches, businesses, community centres and our residents. There is a genuine fear at what they have seen elsewhere.
"A city of destruction is not the Newcastle we want to see on international news. I know that we are better than that and mature enough to have conversations on difficult subjects without resorting to violence.
“We will work with Northumbria Police and our partners across the region to ensure everyone can enjoy our city centre safely this weekend. We will have mitigation measures in place and, ultimately, Newcastle will be open for business.
"I will be out visiting communities this week, as I will always do as leader of our council, and I would encourage anyone who feels alone or unheard, to reach out."
As the week progresses, the police will provide the most up to date information, as well as offering advice and reassurance.
To report a crime or share information, please send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media, or use the live chat function and online report forms on the force’s website.
Alternatively, if you are unable to make contact in this way, call 101.
In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.