A fundraiser launched to support Citizens Advice Sunderland has raised more than £14,800 after the charity’s office suffered extensive fire damage last week. 

Violent riots have taken place across the UK since the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, with Citizens Advice Sunderland’s office targeted by racists on Friday. 

A fundraising campaign for the charity has been launched by Sharyn Smiles, a senior support worker at Sunderland Area Parent Support, a substance abuse rehabilitation charity in the area. 

Smiles said SAPS suffered an arson attack last year and the charity knew the “devastation” of such targeting.

“We know the devastation of these reckless and pointless actions and would now like to assist Citizens Advice Sunderland who have been victims of the horrific riots in Sunderland,” she said. 

“Citizens Advice is there for all members of our community to use, they have the most amazing team (many of whom are volunteers) and are determined to be back operating ASAP.

“From the bottom of our hearts we ask for the kindness shown to us to be extended to this amazing service.”

More than 600 donations have been made to the campaign. 

Citizens Advice Sunderland has moved its staff and volunteers to Sunderland’s City Hall temporarily while the damage to its Waterloo Place office is investigated.

The charity’s second office at the Washington Galleries in Sunderland remains open.

Citizens Advice Sunderland has been contacted for comment.