An ice cream man has been praised for handing out free refreshments to police officers battling far-right riots across the UK.
Mr Tee, who has over 258,000 followers on TikTok, is known for making his way around the UK with his ice cream van and posting videos on his ‘Mr Tee King of Desserts’ account.
When news began to spread that there would be riots in central Sunderland on Saturday (2 August), he drove to a car park where police officers had been stationed.
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“We were meant to be heading to Newcastle, but because of the uproar in them areas, we had to cancel on them days,” Mr Tee, based in North Wales, told Need To Know.
“But we still wanted to find some police and give them ice cream.
“They’re doing a job that is above and beyond. They put their life on the line.
“They’ve all got families to think about and it is a very, very dangerous job they do.
“I mean, I really appreciate the fact that they have done what they have.
“If it wasn’t for the police, these riots would stem even more out of control.
“It’s just a matter of respect for our police force and the job that they do.
“The reaction from the police was absolutely amazing.
“They really, really enjoyed it.
“Unfortunately, as I was serving, they had to put the blues and twos on.
“They got deployed to a scene where obviously there was some activity taking place that needed their attention and their involvement.
“So it was a very rushed thing but I’m glad that I managed to give them some.
“At least one van-full of police got served by me.”
Over the last week, violence has erupted in towns and cities across the country.
It started after a fatal attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance club in Southport on July 29, which left three young girls dead.
Following the attack, misinformation about the suspect circulated online.
Far-right groups have since spread violence across the country. Shops have been looted, migrant hotels set ablaze, mosques attacked and police officers caught in crossfire.
Mr Tee said one of the police officers he spoke to told him it was his birthday.
Mr Tee said: “It was the officer’s birthday and he’s had to come to attend a riot for public safety.
“I mean, kudos and credit to that man.
“I’m sure it would have been a lot better if he didn’t have to go to riots — if he was spending it with his family or anything.
“But, I really hope that he managed to enjoy one of our ice creams, and I wish him the very best.”
To Mr Tee, the riots are “vulgar”.
He added: “It’s very, very disgusting. It’s absolutely obscene.
“People have started looting and robbing.
“I think it’s just gone out of control. I think it’s absolutely disgusting, and the sooner it ends, the better.
“It’s not nice.”
A clip of Mr Tee handing out ice cream was shared on TikTok, where it has gathered over 2.6 million views, 147,000 likes and 3,000 comments.
One person said: “This is brill remember under the uniforms there is a dad, husband, uncle, brother, human, a random act of kindness before they attend the riots is everything.”
Amy added: “Remember the police isn’t at fault! that’s someone’s mum dad brother sister granddad grandma uncle etc! protest and be respectful.”
Someone else wrote: “Well done ice cream man! police have such an awful job atm. Can’t image how worried their families must be with these riots.”
Kirsty commented: “This has made my heart happy because the riots have broken it.”
Someone else said: “Fabulous comeback to the riots just give out ice cream.”
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