Four more arrests made following recent disorder in Knowsley

We have arrested four more people across Merseyside as part of an operation following recent incidents of disorder in Knowsley.

This morning (Tuesday 23 May) at around 6.45am five warrants were executed as part of an ongoing police operation to bring those involved to justice and prevent further incidents of disorder and crime.

Those arrested are suspected of committing offences during an initially peaceful protest which turned violent outside the Suites Hotel on Ribblers Lane on Friday 10 February.

A police van was set on fire and missiles were thrown at officers during the incident. One officer was later taken to hospital after being injured at the scene.

Those arrested on suspicion of violent disorder this morning included two teenage boys aged 14 from Kirkby and one from St Helens and two men aged 42 and 44 from Kirkby. 

They will be taken to police stations on Merseyside where they will be questioned.

Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “I hope these arrests show that anyone who causes disorder in our community and threatens or harms our officers will be brought to justice.

“We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful but such violence that endangered our officers and others is totally unacceptable.

“Such tactics to intimidate or target particular communities in Knowsley will not be tolerated and we are determined to remand anyone who perpetrates such crimes. 

“We have arrested a further four suspects, in addition to the seven who were arrested last week and will continue to take action to ensure the safety of our community and officers.”

Local Policing Inspector Mark Berry said: “I would like to assure residents in Knowsley that Merseyside Police is fully committed to tackling any disorder on our streets and will pursue those involved in any hate crime incidents.
“Our officers will have a visible presence in the area so if you have any concerns about crime or disorder where you live please speak with us.

“Any information you have could prevent any further violence and disorder that harmed our community and officers in February.”

Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “We fully support the further action taken and arrests made as part of the Police’s ongoing investigation following the incident outside the Suites Hotel on 10 February. We said at the time, that this kind of behaviour was not acceptable and the action taken by our colleagues in Merseyside Police sends a clear message of zero tolerance to our communities.”

If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org. You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

You can also report any incidents to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.

You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org