Three people have been arrested after a protest turned violent outside a hotel a Merseyside housing which is understood to be housing asylum seekers.
Hundreds had gathered at the Suites Hotel in Kirkby when Merseyside Police were called to Ribblers Lane at around 6.30pm on Friday to what they said was initially a "peaceful protest and counter protest".
However, the demonstration descended into chaos when missiles were thrown and damage was caused.
Footage sent to The ECHO shows people taking what appear to be sledgehammers to a police vehicle. It's reported that a police riot van was vandalised with graffiti before being set alight and exploding.
Police have now confirmed three people have been arrested, describing the scenes as "completely unacceptable".
A spokesperson from Merseyside Police said: "A total of three people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and taken to police stations to be questioned. Additional officers are in the area to deal with these incidents and ensure the safety of those in the area.
"We are also taking measures to record the actions of those present to gather further evidence. Road closures remain in place so continue to avoid the area where possible."
It is understood a number of far-right groups have been linked with organising the protest. Knowsley Labour MP George Howarth slammed the scenes and said they did not represent the community.
In a statement released on Twitter he said: "‘I have referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which has triggered a demonstration outside the Suites Hotel, to Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council. Until the Police have investigated the matter, it is too soon to jump to conclusions and the effort on the part of some to inflame the situation is emphatically wrong. If an offence has been committed, the police should deal with it appropriately through due process.
"In addition, the misinformation about refugees being feather-bedded is untrue and intended to paint a picture that does not at all represent the facts. The people of Knowsley are not bigots and are welcoming to people escaping from some of the most dangerous places in the world in search of a place of safety."
Paul White, assistant chief constable, said: “We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful, but the scenes tonight were completely unacceptable, putting those present, our officers and the wider community in danger. Thankfully we have not had any serious injuries reported up to this point, but for officers and police vehicles to be damaged in the course of their duty protecting the public is disgraceful.
“We have arrested some of those suspects and will continue without hesitation to review all and any evidence which comes in, through CCTV, images or other information you may have. I would also like to strongly remind not to post comments, footage or information on our channels but instead to pass it directly to officers via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 1149.
"We will act swiftly upon all information given to identify any further offences and put those involved before the courts.”
You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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