Unrest in Southport: Four Men Arrested, Officers and Police Dogs Wounded

Police are continuing to appeal for footage and information after more than 50 officers were hurt during disorder involving hundreds of people in Southport last night (Tuesday 30 July).

Of the 53 injured, 49 were Merseyside Police officers and four were Lancashire Police officers. Eight sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion and were treated in hospital.

Other officers suffered varying degrees of injury including head injuries, serious facial injuries and one was knocked unconscious.

The disorder began at around 7.45pm and the crowd had dispersed by around midnight.

A total of four men have been arrested and taken into custody:

A 31-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder
A 31-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder
A 39-year-old man from Southport was arrested on suspicion of Violent Disorder
A 32-year-old man from Manchester with a probation address in Southport was arrested on suspicion of Affray and Possession of a bladed article
The offenders destroyed garden walls to use the bricks as missiles to attack officers and set cars belonging to the public on fire at random. Those involved also threw bricks at the local Mosque, damaged a local convenience store, and set wheelie bins on fire.  

Three police dogs were also injured. After having bricks thrown at them, Police Dog Zoe sustained a laceration to her leg, has been stitched and is now resting, and PD Ike is recovering after sustaining a cut mouth and swelling to his front leg. PD Quga suffered burns to her back leg. A fourth dog, PD Repo, was spared injury after their handler kicked petrol away.

As a result of the disorder, a 24-hour Section 60 Order was introduced in the area (see attached) and remains in place today. Extra officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure communities. 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. 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 Jenny Sims said: “I know the wider community is as shocked as we are about the abhorrent events of last night.

“Through the night there has been a tremendous effort by members of the public who came out to help clean up the streets, using hose pipes and brushes and donating food and dog food to officers to restore the pride and respect they have for their town. Partner agencies, including Sefton Council, were also deployed to help clean up the damage left by those involved.

 
“We have been overwhelmed with messages of thanks from the community, and I know I speak on behalf of all those officers there last night when I say how grateful we all are for their support.

“We were joined by colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who also provided mutual aid and support, and I want to thank them publicly for their assistance. Sadly, 49 Merseyside officers and four Lancashire officers were injured in their efforts to prevent further disorder and protect the public.

“The wanton violence and destruction we saw is the very last thing the people of Southport need having been rocked by the awful events of Monday. The disrespect toward grieving families and the community is despicable, and I want to reassure residents in Southport that we will have a significantly increased police presence in the town in the coming days.

“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. 

“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 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 our officers and our communities. 

“The Section 60 order will be rigorously enforced to move people on who are attending the area to commit such offences.”

“Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”