CCTV appeal after police van set alight at Halewood Police Station

Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man who could assist with their enquiries after a new police vehicle was set on fire and destroyed near Halewood Police Station early on Sunday morning (1 February).

The police carrier was located ablaze just after 6.30am on Leathers Lane and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were called to tackle the flames.

Leathers Lane was closed temporarily to allow emergency services to attend and deal with the incident.

Today, detectives have issued CCTV images of a man on red pedal bike that they believe could assist in their investigation.

Detective Inspector Richard Shillito said: ““Although the images are not very clear the man is riding a bright red coloured pedal bike which heads away from Hunts Cross towards Widnes.  If you live in the area and saw a man on this bike near the police station at around 6.20am on Sunday, or might have captured the offender on doorbell footage or dashcam footage before, during or after the incident, please do get in touch.

“It is despicable to think that anyone would target a police vehicle in this way. Our vehicles are used to transport officers to serious incidents across Merseyside, including disorder and anti-social behaviour, domestic incidents, assaults, sexual offences and more.

“Damaging police vehicles in this way risks seriously impacting our ability to do our job and from being able to safeguard victims of crime and bring offenders to justice.

“Thankfully the vehicle was not occupied and no members of the public, police officers or firefighters were hurt while dealing with this incident, but the consequences of setting a police van alight could have been even more severe.

“I want to reassure our communities that while the cost of replacing the vehicle will be significant, we will not allow this incident to undermine our efforts to target criminals and safeguard victims." 

Anyone with further CCTV footage on this incident is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 26000086783.

You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101. 

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.