Latest Southport knife attack: Riot police clash with protesters outside mosque, van set alight

Merseyside Police arrested a man and seized a switchblade knife after receiving a report at 6.50pm that he had been seen with a weapon on Eastbank Street.

No one was injured and the 32-year-old Standish man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a sharp object and taken into custody.

Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “We know all too well the devastating impact knife crime can have on victims, their families and friends, as well as those who carry it out.

“This week has seen an unspeakable tragedy unfold in Southport, and this incident happened just a short distance from where a vigil had been held where the community paid tribute to all those affected.

“Officers made a quick arrest and seized a knife that could have been used to cause harm to our communities.

“The offenders who wear them have absolutely no place in our communities.

Riot police have cleared the area just outside the mosque and are standing guard with batons raised.

A police van was speeding behind them, black smoke filling the air.

Masked youths searched the ground for bricks lying on the ground to throw at the ranks of officers.

Loud thuds were heard as the vans were hit and police raised their shields to protect themselves from incoming missiles.

Deputy Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “It is sickening 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 overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider communities across Merseyside for the families who are currently trying to come to terms with their loss and care for the victims injured in the major incident.

“Yesterday our officers and other emergency services personnel faced one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight they find themselves under attack as they work to prevent further disturbances.

“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or who do not care about the people of Merseyside.

“There has been much speculation and speculation surrounding the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are taking advantage of this to cause violence and disorder on our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation is of no use at this time.

“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.”

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that officers are dealing with a disturbance at a protest in Southport this evening (Tuesday 30 July). “At around 7.45pm a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English Defence League – began throwing objects towards a local mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

“Officers deployed are currently encountering criminal and violent behaviour, with bottles and wheelie bins being thrown at them.

“As a result, a police officer probably had his nose broken and police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.

“Additional patrols are now on site, including the canine section.”

Barely an hour after a peaceful vigil was held for the slain victims, a protest outside a mosque near the crime scene on Hart Street descended into chaos.

Hundreds of angry thugs, some wearing balaclavas, were seen throwing bricks and bottles at police, with helicopters deployed.

Riot police have now arrived at the scene, as angry shouts are heard and a van attempts to force its way through the crowd.

Fireworks were fired and masonry debris was thrown, and a number of officers were reported to have sustained minor injuries.

As more cars and protesters join the crowds, it is clear that Merseyside Police are facing a growing crisis, just a day after the tragic knife attack which claimed the lives of three children.

A police van appears to have been set on fire in Southport.

Footage posted on social media showed large flames swirling around the vehicle.

The violence came after protesters clashed with police armed with riot shields and batons.

Video on social media showed more police arriving in Southport, where officers equipped with riot shields were in confrontational positions with protesters.

Some police officers were seen walking through the crowd with police dogs towards rows of officers stationed in front of police vans.

Debris is visible on the ground around the vans as police use their shields to deflect missiles thrown by the crowd.