LIVE: ‘Unrest’ breaks out outside Southport mosque after vigil to remember children killed in stabbing

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that officers are dealing with a disturbance during a protest in Southport this evening (Tuesday, July 30).

“At around 7.45pm, a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defense League – began throwing objects at a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

“Officers who are deployed are currently dealing with criminal behavior and violence with bottles and bins being thrown at them. As a result, one officer suffered a suspected broken nose and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire. There are now extra patrols. attendance, including the Dog Section”.

As Deputy Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is appalling to see this happen in a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.

“Over the last 24 hours we have seen an overwhelming outpouring of support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to cope with the loss and care for the victims injured during the major incident.

“Yesterday our officers and other members of the emergency services faced one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves under attack as they struggle to prevent mayhem.

“The actions in Southport tonight will involve a lot of people who don’t live in the Merseyside area and don’t care about the people of Merseyside.

“There has been much speculation and conjecture regarding the status of a 17-year-old male currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“I have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation is not helping anyone at this point.

“Our officers should not have to deal with this but we will be there tonight to ensure the safety of the local community who have suffered enough and we will arrest those involved in criminal behaviour.”

If you have any information about this incident or saw what happened, contact @MerPolCC or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Center’ on Facebook.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.