Online ‘Name and Shame’ Protests in County Durham Lead to Dispersal Order Being Issued...

Durham Police Headquarters

Protests Organised on Social Media Turn Violent — As Durham Police Respond With Ban..

12th April 2026

Durham Constabulary have imposed emergency powers in Peterlee after a series of protests targeting alleged sex offenders escalated into disorder across parts of County Durham.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order is now in force for 24 hours, giving officers enhanced powers to move individuals on — and arrest those who refuse to comply. The order effectively prevents any protest activity in the area, with police warning that even being in the vicinity of known individuals linked to the unrest could lead to arrest.

Rising tensions across County Durham

A similar protest in Horden County Durham Last Week led to the arrest of a number of protestors, with police pelted with missiles and a home smashed up.

The crackdown follows a string of incidents in recent days, with protests reported to have occurred in Wingate, Peterlee and Horden. Demonstrations have seen large crowds gathering outside properties linked — often via social media — to individuals accused of sexual offences.

While many protests have remained peaceful, its claimed others have spiralled into serious disorder.

In Wingate, its claimed officers were forced to move four individuals on for their own safety as tensions escalated in the village, with damage later reported at a nearby property with the most serious violence occurred in Horden on Good Friday, where the situation intensified as officers were struck with bricks & an e-bike driven into a police vehicle, and a house was left extensively vandalised.

Arrests made as investigations continue

Durham Constabulary say three people have been arrested in connection with recent incidents. Allegations include harassment and offences linked to online communications. All have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police have also raised concerns about the role of social media groups, which have been widely sharing the locations of alleged offenders — sometimes with little or no verification. While some organisers insist they do not condone violence, officers say the spread of such information is contributing to rising tensions on the ground.

Police: “We support lawful protest — not violence”

Superintendent Victoria Cubby made clear that while the right to protest is recognised, criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We will always support lawful protest, but violence, intimidation and criminal damage cross a clear line and will be dealt with robustly.”

The introduction of dispersal powers signals a significant escalation in the police response, aimed at preventing further disorder and protecting both residents and those at risk of being targeted.

The move has already sparked debate, with some arguing the restrictions go too far.

Under Article 11 of the Human Rights Act 1998, individuals have the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. However, that right is not absolute — and can be lawfully restricted where necessary to prevent disorder or crime, or to protect the rights and safety of others.

Legal experts note that dispersal orders, such as those under Section 35, are commonly used in situations where there is a genuine risk of public disorder — particularly where previous incidents have already turned violent.

Despite the crackdown in Peterlee, its claimed further demonstrations are expected across the North East in the coming days, raising concerns about whether tensions will continue to escalate.

For now, Durham Constabulary are urging residents to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands — warning that anyone engaging in criminal behaviour, regardless of the cause, will face the full force of the law.