Police condemn violence and disorder in Liverpool city centre

*UPDATE*

22:42 on Saturday 3 August

There have now been 11 people arrested in connection with the disorder in Liverpool city centre today.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence and disorder that happened in Liverpool city centre today (Saturday 3 August).

A group formed at 2pm at the Pier Head, with approximately 750 people in attendance. Soon after, as a counter group, also made up of approximately 750 people, approached and objects were thrown at police officers and their vehicles.

The groups involved then began to move across the city centre onto The Strand and Church Street. 

The Strand was closed by police to ensure the safety of the public and to enable officers to deal with the incident.

A number of people set off fire extinguishers and threw various items including bricks and bottles at officers. An officer on a police motorbike was pushed from his bike and assaulted.

A kiosk in Liverpool One and a phone shop on Church Street were damaged, broken into and looted.

Officers remain in the city centre to monitor the situation.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, who led today’s policing operation, said: “The behaviour we have seen today in Liverpool city centre is completely unacceptable.

“What should have been a sunny Saturday on the historic waterfront to be enjoyed by people of all ages turned into an afternoon of unashamed disorder and violence, which potentially put decent members of the public, including children, at risk.

“We have heard reports of families having to run away from the area, some of whom had brought children to see the Disney Princess cruise ship docked nearby.

“This disorder, violence and destruction has no place here in Merseyside, least of all after the tragic events that took place in Southport on Monday.

“Our priority throughout has been the safety of the public, and officers have put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the wider community and I am incredibly proud of the bravery, resilience and professionalism they have displayed today.

“Those officers were met with shameful levels of violence and attempts at provocation by a number of those present.

“We can confirm two officers have been taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw.

“We have already arrested six people aged between 29 and 58 on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and criminal damage and that number will increase.

Assistant Chief Constable Sims added: “The aggressive and abusive behaviour of large groups today will never be tolerated and is being dealt with robustly.  

“Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and this city. Their behaviour does not represent the good people of Merseyside, and any attempts to drive division amongst our communities in the wake of a heinous tragedy will not succeed.

“I would urge anyone minded to continue to carry out such disorder to think long and hard. We are gathering bodycam, CCTV and camera phone evidence, and anyone involved in today’s disorder can expect to face the full force of the law.” 

Anyone who has any concerns following today’s events or has information to help identify those responsible can DM @MerPolCC or message Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook.

Alternatively call 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.