Over the course of 2023,

Earlier on Wednesday, Ch Supt David Sutherland, of Cleveland Police, said: "We currently have a high policing presence while officers respond to disorder that is taking place in Hartlepool following a protest that began this evening."At this stage we believe the protest is in connection with the incident in Southport earlier this week.

"Our officers are facing missiles, glass bottles and eggs being thrown at them and have made arrests as they remain in the area to protect the safety of those living in the community."I want to urge members of the public to stay away from the area."In a statement posted on X, Hartlepool's Labour MP Jonathan Brash said he was "deeply concerned" about the situation and would be meeting with police to discuss their response to the incident.

He added: "These events do not represent what Hartlepool is or the values that our people hold. Violence is never the answer."There were a number of road closures in and around Murray Street.

Videos on social media show a crowd of people in the streets, with one showing youths throwing objects at a line of police in riot gear.

Resident Rachel King said the disorder left her feeling "frightened" for her young daughter's safety.That does not mean the views of party leaders are unimportant. They could well sway the opinion of undecided MSPs.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay is understood to be "sceptical" about the current bill.And Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said he will be voting against, while pressing for greater investment in palliative care.

The Scottish Green and Scottish Liberal Democrat leaders are expected to support the legislation.The indications are that the vote on Tuesday could be relatively close. There appears to be a sufficient number of MSPs who have not declared their views to swing the decision either way.