Three arrested after appalling scenes near hotel
Kirkby #Kirkby
Three people were arrested after hundreds gathered close to the Suites Hotel in Kirkby tonight.
Merseyside Police were called to Ribblers Lane at around 6.30pm to what they said was initially a “peaceful protest and counter protest”. However they said missiles were then thrown and damage caused.
Footage sent to The ECHO shows people taking what appear to be sledgehammers to a police vehicle. Further shocking images from the scene showed a police riot van, parked near to the gathering, initially being vandalised with graffiti before being set alight.
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Police have now confirmed three people have been arrested following tonight’s gathering.
A spokesperson from the force said: “A total of three people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and taken to police stations to be questioned. Additional officers are in the area to deal with these incidents and ensure the safety of those in the area.
“We are also taking measures to record the actions of those present to gather further evidence. Road closures remain in place so continue to avoid the area where possible.”
It is understood a number of far-right groups were involved in organising the protest and tonight Knowsley Labour MP George Howarth slammed the scenes and said they did not represent the community.
In a statement released on Twitter he said: “‘I have referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which has triggered a demonstration outside the Suites Hotel, to Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council. Until the Police have investigated the matter, it is too soon to jump to conclusions and the effort on the part of some to inflame the situation is emphatically wrong. If an offence has been committed, the police should deal with it appropriately through due process.
“In addition, the misinformation about refugees being feather-bedded is untrue and intended to paint a picture that does not at all represent the facts. The people of Knowsley are not bigots and are welcoming to people escaping from some of the most dangerous places in the world in search of a place of safety.
Paul White, assistant chief constable, said: “We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful, but the scenes tonight were completely unacceptable, putting those present, our officers and the wider community in danger. Thankfully we have not had any serious injuries reported up to this point, but for officers and police vehicles to be damaged in the course of their duty protecting the public is disgraceful.
“We have arrested some of those suspects and will continue without hesitation to review all and any evidence which comes in, through CCTV, images or other information you may have. I would also like to strongly remind not to post comments, footage or information on our channels but instead to pass it directly to officers via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 1149.
We will act swiftly upon all information given to identify any further offences and put those involved before the courts.”
You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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