MERSEYSIDE'S Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "I am aware of online speculation surrounding future protests in Merseyside. While Merseyside Police will always facilitate peaceful protest, there is absolutely no excuse for the despicable scenes of violence that blighted Southport on Tuesday and other parts of the country this week. Such destruction, harm and criminality only further traumatises a community which is reeling from the most unimaginable horror and heartache. The families of those affected have made it very clear that they want the violence to stop. It is utterly unacceptable to try to weaponize the grief this community is feeling. It only disrespects the families and a community who are suffering. Merseyside Police are fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder and any individual who engages in such behaviour should expect to feel the full force of the law. Mindless violence towards our officers, the same officers who ran towards danger on Monday and are working round the clock to investigate this incident and support the families, is disgraceful and will not be tolerated. The scenes we have seen this week have been fuelled by misinformation and outright lies on social media designed to cause animosity and division. I would remind people that not everything they read online is true and to think very carefully before they share information, for as we have sadly seen, it can have serious and damaging consequences. The people of Southport have suffered enough this week. They do not want more violence. Their response in the wake of Tuesday night’s violent scenes was to come out the following morning to clean up, rebuild walls, and come together as a community to take care of each other. I would urge everyone, please follow their example and show care, tolerance, and unity."
