Eggs Thrown At Middlesbrough Council Meeting

5 March 2014, 09:24 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Eggs have been thrown at Middlesbrough Council leaders during a meeting discussing plans to close Southfield Road.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon has condemned the behaviour of a 'mob' which attempted to 'hijack democracy' at a key Council meeting.

His remarks followed the meeting of the Council's Executive, which was discussing plans to close Southfield Road.

More than 60 people packed into the Mandela Room in the Town Hall to register their opposition to the proposed closure - which is to make way for the next phase of Teesside University's campus.

But as Mr Mallon outlined his reasons for supporting the closure, a number of eggs were thrown at those at the top table, and there were verbal outbursts from the public gallery which was subsequently cleared.

Condemning the behaviour of those involved, Mr Mallon said in a statement:
"The throwing of eggs and the use of foul and abusive language at a Council meeting is outrageous, and I want the public to know how these people behave when they don't get their way.

People who behave like this don't understand or uphold democracy - their intention is to disrupt it.

This was disgraceful behaviour by a small section of the Asian community whose only aim is to cause trouble, and threaten and intimidate those who stand in their way.

No member of this Council will show any weakness in the face of this sort of behaviour which has no place in a civilised society."