Dozens of police officers injured in Southport violence
Three police dogs are also injured, and a van was set on fire
Last updated 31st Jul 2024
The North West Ambulance service has confirmed they treated 39 people after violence broke out in Southport last night (Tuesday 30th July).
It's confirmed all the patients were police officers, with 27 taken to hospital and 12 treated and discharged at the scene.
The service took to X to thank NWAS staff and other emergency service colleagues who "worked extremely hard" in response to the disturbance.
Of those injured, eight sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
Merseyside Police say other officers have suffered varying degrees of injury including head injuries, serious facial injuries and one was knocked unconscious.
People also set cars alight, threw bricks at the local Mosque and damaged a local convenience store, and set wheelie bins were set on fire.
Three police dogs have also been injured. Police Dogs Zoe and Ike have sustained leg injuries from bricks thrown at them. A third dog, PD Quga, who was bitten, strangled and kicked by an offender at the beginning of this month, has tonight suffered burns to her back leg.
As a result of the disorder, police have brought in a 24-hour Section 60 Order (see map) and extra officers remain in the area.
The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.
A Section 34 Order has also been introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, giving officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. We're told these powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “Tonight, Merseyside Police faced serious violence in Southport and I am so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers (many of whom had not long finished a full shift) parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack. I would also like to thank officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who also provided mutual aid and support.
“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.
“We would appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in this shocking behaviour to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible.
“Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Prime Minister released a statement, saying those responsible for starting the violence 'will face the full force of the law'.
The statement said: 'The people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
They deserve our support and our respect.
Those who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have insulted the community as it grieves.
They will feel the full force of the law.'
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper has also released a statement.
In full, it says: 'This morning when I visited Southport I saw a grieving community pulling together to support each other and care for the families who have lost loved ones in the face of an unspeakable tragedy. I met police officers and emergency service workers who showed incredible bravery in response to yesterday's attack, and are leading an urgent and serious criminal investigation with the support of the community behind them.
'So these disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder we are witnessing this evening, with attacks on the Merseyside Police and a local mosque, are completely appalling. Those responsible will face the full force of the law.
'The community of Southport are reeling from a horrifying ordeal and families are grieving. This violent thuggery, which has overshadowed a peaceful vigil for three little girls, is an insult to the community and to all those who need the space to process what has happened and to heal.
'It is appalling that the local police, who have already dealt with extraordinarily difficult circumstances this week, and are undertaking an urgent criminal investigation, should be on the receiving end of violence and abuse.
'Our focus must remain on supporting the police in their urgent criminal investigation into yesterday's attack and on supporting the families and community who have faced such tragedy and deserve everyone's prayers tonight.'