Southport stabbings: Merseyside Police 'fully prepared' for further protests
There has been disorder across the country following the knife attack in Southport
Last updated 2nd Aug 2024
Merseyside Police are 'fully prepared' for the possibility of any more protests being held and will 'robustly' deal with anyone who causes damage or harm - a senior officer has said.
There has been online speculation about more protests being held in Merseyside and across the country following the knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, in which three girls were killed and eight other children were injured.
A huge disturbance broke out in Southport on Tuesday, hours after a vigil was held to honour the victims.
5\3 officers were hurt during the disorder, 49 of which were Merseyside officers and four were Lancashire officers.
Eight sustained serious injuries - one was knocked unconscious.
Seven arrests have been made following that disorder and the force says further arrests will be made 'over the coming weeks.'
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said:
"We are aware of online speculation surrounding future protests in Merseyside and I want our communities to be assured that we are fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder.
"This week, we have sadly witnessed the violence and harm caused by large-scale disorder up and down the country, including in our own community in Southport.
"We have also seen the brilliant and heartening response from the very people who live in these communities as they take it upon themselves to help clean-up the destruction and mess left behind. It’s clear that the people of Merseyside stand united against anyone who is intent on causing fear, destruction and violence.
"We are fully prepared for any possible disorder in the future"
"The disrespect that they showed towards victims and grieving families and the community is despicable, and I want to reassure residents that we are fully prepared for any possible disorder in the future.
"Police and our partners also want to remind people of the dangers of misinformation and speculation online and how it can have real world consequences that put innocent people in harm’s way.
"People who maliciously spread misinformation wants to cause division and hatred in our communities and it’s completely unacceptable.
"I would continue to ask people to be mindful of the damage that such actions can cause and to always question the source of information when viewing anything on social media.
"Finally, I want to make this absolutely clear: anyone who intends to cause future damage and harm to our communities will be dealt with robustly, using all our available powers.
"There are extensive plans and considerable police resources in place to quickly deal with anyone intent on causing disorder over the coming days. We will look to bring to justice every person who is identified committing criminal damage and acts of violence against police staff, officers and our communities."
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said:
"Following the disorder on Tuesday evening, we have now made seven arrests and further arrests will be made over the coming weeks. Extensive work is ongoing to identify all those responsible for the despicable actions and we are determined to find everyone involved in this incident.
"We continue to explore all lines of inquiry, which includes a specialist team who are currently reviewing hundreds of hours of footage as well as images to identify everyone involved. If you took part in this disorder, you can expect to receive a knock on your door by our officers.
"We would continue to appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in the shocking disorder on Tuesday night to come forward so we can identify and arrest those responsible."