Thirty-Nine Police Officers Injured After Violence Erupted Following A Knife Attack In Southport

Nearly Thirty-nine police officers have been injured after unrest broke out in Southport hours following a knife attack in which three children were killed, the North West Ambulance Service said.

Casualties Involved 

Initially eight casualties were revealed by Merseyside Police that sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion. While the other injuries included one officer being knocked unconscious, as well as some suffering head and serious facial injuries. Three police dogs were also hurt, with two having bricks thrown at them.

As per reports total, 27 officers were taken to hospital, Whereas 12 were treated and discharged at the scene. The disorder, which police said was believed to involve English Defence League supporters, began only a few streets away, near to a mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

To Have A Control Over The Situation 

The government immediately imposed a 24-hour section 60 Order in the area, giving officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals. A section 34 Order has also been introduced, allowing police to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behavior or are “likely to become involved in such behavior”.

Merseyside Police said extra officers will remain in the area “ to provide a visible presence and reassure communities” and a small number ambulance resources will remain at the scene on St Luke’s Road and will continue to support the police. 

Alex Goss Statement 

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said the force has faced “serious violence” in Merseyside and also added “so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack.”

He thanked officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police for providing mutual aid and support. 

He added “who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the Mosque car park.This is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling from the events of Monday.”

A 17-year-old boy in custody over murder suspicion

A 17-year-old boy remains in custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder following the incident at a children’s dance club in Hart Street

ACC Goss said: “There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK, and speculation helps nobody at this time.”

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