Fifteen people were arrested following "violent and despicable" protests that saw lit fireworks thrown at police officers and a Matrix van set on fire.
Merseyside Police today confirmed the total number of arrests so far following violent disorder outside the Suites Hotel in Kirkby. Officers were originally on Ribblers Lane to facilitate a peaceful protest and counter protest at around 6.30pm yesterday, Friday, February 10.
But the event descended into chaos when some at the scene allegedly targeted police officers with lit fireworks outside the Knowsley hotel. A Matrix police van was also attacked by offenders, with videos seen by the ECHO showing people smashing it with hammers before setting it on fire.
READ MORE: Pictures show aftermath of Suites Hotel disorder as discarded riot gear found on ground
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: "A number of individuals who turned up at the Suites Hotel last night were intent on using a planned protest to carry out violent and despicable behaviour. They turned up armed with hammers and fireworks to cause as much trouble as they could and their actions could have resulted in members of the public and police officers being seriously injured, or worse."
The Chief Constable said prior to the protest there was "misinformation" being circulated on social media about an incident earlier this week. CC Kennedy said police were aware of the incident and an investigation is ongoing. She added: "Detectives are investigating reports of an incident which occurred in Kirkby on Monday, February 6, when a man made inappropriate advances toward a teenage girl.
"This was reported by members of the public to police, but no victim was initially identified. Following enquiries, a man in his 20s, was arrested on Thursday, February 9, in another part of the country on suspicion of a public order offence. A file was submitted to the CPS and on their advice he was released with no further action.
"I want to make it absolutely clear that this is very much an ongoing investigation, and we would urge anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any information, which could help us bring the offender to justice, to come forward."
Last night a Merseyside Police officer and two members of the public received slight injuries. Additional officers were brought in to disperse the crowds and the roads were reopened in the early hours of this morning. A total of 13 men and two women, between the ages of 13 and 54, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and taken to police stations across Merseyside.
A spokesperson for the force said the police were continuing to gather CCTV, drone and other evidence to identify all of those involved. Outside the Suites Hotel this morning two police vans remained.
Abandoned riot gear was photographed strewn across an area of woodland close to the hotel. The burnt-out shell of the police van had been removed, but a large patch of ground close to the hotel's perimeter was fire-scorched. A dispersal zone has been put in place in the local area from 1pm today for the next 48 hours. Officers will have more powers to move people along and make arrests if they return.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram visited the site today with Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan. Mr Rotheram said: "Our area has been a sanctuary for people seeking refuge for centuries. The disturbing scenes in Knowsley aren't representative of our area or its people. Hatred is not welcome here."
Labour MP Sir George Howarth said he had referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which he said had "triggered" the protest, to police. The MP said the violent scenes did not represent the community.
CC Kennedy said: "Social media speculation, misinformation and rumour can actually damage the outcome of investigations and cause unnecessary fear and consequent behaviour, so I would continue to ask people to be mindful of the damage that such actions can cause. We understand the concern that an incident can cause but I can assure you that the investigation is ongoing and we are doing everything we can to bring the offender to justice.
"Violence is not the way to resolve this and we know that those involved in the violent activity last night used this as an excuse to commit violence and intimidate members of the public, who have a right to live their lives in peace and without fear. There is no excuse for the violence that was carried out last night and we will arrest anyone who fails to heed this advice."
The Chief Constable added: "Merseyside Police and our partners will not tolerate groups of people targeting this premises and causing fear and distress to those residents inside; and to the local community, as well as the violence towards police officers carrying out their duty."
Those with information are encouraged to contact police via @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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