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'Violent thugs' on streets of Southport
SOUTHPORT has been targeted by thugs following a peaceful vigil tonight (Tuesday 30 July). Merseyside Police have said:- "We can confirm officers are dealing with a disturbance during a protest in Southport this evening. At around 7.45 pm, a large group of people; believed to be supporters of the English Defence League; began to throw items towards a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport. Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behaviour and violence with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them. As a result, an officer has suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles have been damaged and set alight. Additional patrols are now in attendance, including the Dog Section."
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss added:- "It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives. In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident. Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavor to prevent disorder. The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside. There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17 year old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets. We have already said that the person arrested as born in the UK and speculation helps nobody at this time. Our officers should not have to face this, but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough, and will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour."   If you have any information on this incident or saw what happened, please contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'.   You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800555111, or via their online form at:-: Crimestoppers-UK.Org. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also said:- "Frankly the scenes of thuggery we have seen on the streets of Southport this evening bear no relation to the way the Southport community has been coming together to support each other and to support grieving families." What also shocked us was a drown flying near the Police Helicopter as you can see on the photo.   
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