Riot in Middlesbrough as BBC films George Gently episode (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Riot in Middlesbrough as BBC films George Gently episode

5:44pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By Chris Pleasance

THERE were 40 rioters hurling bricks, bloodied policemen, two bulldozers and a fire blazing in an alleyway.

This was the scene greeting surprised passers-by in the Gresham area of Middlesbrough, today (Tuesday, March 18).

However, they needn’t have panicked as it was being used for filming an episode of BBC drama Inspector George Gently, starring Martin Shaw. 

The area was used as a backdrop for filming the programme, set in 1069 Newcastle.

In the scene rioters, armed with foam bricks, are protesting about bulldozers moving in to demolish a housing estate.

Filming continues until Saturday, March 23, during which time all roads between Diamond Road and Wentworth Street will be closed. There will also be traffic control measures on Union Street and Princes Road.

This year, Gresham itself is due for regeneration with several streets proposed for 'clearance' by Middlesbrough Council with some houses already demolished.