Police Chief condemns Southport violent disorder
A police van has been set on fire and officers also injured
Last updated 30th Jul 2024
Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy has conemed violent attacks on her officers close to where Monday's knife-attack took place in Southport.
Violent clashes between protesters and police erupted outside a mosque in Southport after three girls were killed in a knife attack.
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed in Southport, Merseyside, on Monday.
Eight other children suffered stab wounds and five are in a critical condition, alongside two adults who were also critically injured, police said.
Serena Kennedy posted on social media to say: "I am incredibly proud of my officers and staff who have worked so hard to save the lives of children, investigate the horrific incident from yesterday, working with partners to provide reassurance to our communities and now they are facing this level of violence from these thugs."
"Over 1000 residents from Southport came together this evening to remember the little girls who have died, those who are still critical in hospital and all those who witnessed & are traumatised by the events from yesterday. This is where all of our focus should be"
Hundreds of people took part in a vigil on Tuesday evening outside Southport's Atkinson arts venue, with many in tears as they laid flowers and cards of remembrance.
The vigil was followed by a protest outside a mosque in Southport as demonstrators chanting far-right slogans clashed with police in St Luke's Road.
Merseyside Police said "a large group of people - believed to be supporters of the English Defence League" - began to throw items towards the mosque at around 7.45pm.
Officers put on helmets and riot gear after stones and bottles were launched at them and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.
Merseyside Police said an officer suffered a suspected broken nose in chaotic scenes outside the mosque as missiles were thrown at the police.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: "It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.
"In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.
"Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.
"The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.
"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.
"Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour."