Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, who led today’s policing operation, said: “The behaviour we have seen today in Liverpool city centre is completely unacceptable.
“What should have been a sunny Saturday on the historic waterfront to be enjoyed by people of all ages turned into an afternoon of unashamed disorder and violence, which potentially put decent members of the public, including children, at risk.
“We have heard reports of families having to run away from the area, some of whom had brought children to see the Disney Dream cruise ship docked nearby.
“This disorder, violence and destruction has no place here in Merseyside, least of all after the tragic events that took place in Southport on Monday.
“Our priority throughout has been the safety of the public, and officers have put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect the wider community and I am incredibly proud of the bravery, resilience and professionalism they have displayed today.
“Those officers were met with shameful levels of violence and attempts at provocation by a number of those present.
“We can confirm two officers have been taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and another with a suspected broken jaw.
“We have already arrested six people, aged between 29 and 58, on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and criminal damage and that number will increase.
Assistant Chief Constable Sims added: “The aggressive and abusive behaviour of large groups today will never be tolerated and is being dealt with robustly. Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and this city. Their behaviour does not represent the good people of Merseyside, and any attempts to drive division amongst our communities in the wake of a heinous tragedy will not succeed.
“I would urge anyone minded to continue to carry out such disorder to think long and hard. We are gathering bodycam, CCTV and camera phone evidence, and anyone involved in today’s disorder can expect to face the full force of the law.”
