Investigation underway after damage caused to police vehicle

We are investigating after damage was caused to a police van in the Anfield area last night, Wednesday 29th September.

At around 6.20pm we were contacted following reports a group of teenagers were throwing fireworks in the area of Clarendon Road/Anfield Sports centre.

Patrols attended at the sports centre and the youths began throwing fireworks at the police van before making off.  

An officer remained in the area of Breckside Park in a police van to maintain a high visibility presence.

At around 8.30pm a group of youths wearing face coverings approached the van. A brick was thrown at the van causing damage to the front windscreen.

Further patrols were deployed to the area and five young males were located, detained and searched.

The van has now been taken off the road to be repaired and enquiries into both incidents remain ongoing.

Liverpool Community policing sergeant Carl Lynch said: “Thankfully nobody was hurt in either incident but this was mindless criminal damage.

“The officers were on patrol offering a visible presence and reassurance to members of the community when their vehicle was targeted in a dangerous manner with fireworks and bricks, which caused considerable damage and resulted in a vehicle being put off the road. 

“This type of behaviour not only puts the safety of officers at risk but also the safety of the public. Merseyside Police will not tolerate any form of antisocial behaviour or attacks on emergency service workers whilst carrying out their duties and we are working with all partner agencies to identify and deal with those involved.

“We know that it is a minority of youths involved in this type of incident but I would ask parents and carers - do you know what your children are up to when they are out? Please speak to them to prevent a repeat of this type of behaviour and the risk of somebody being seriously injured.”

Anyone who has any information on either incident is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 21000678071 or 21000678309.