Police have extended a dispersal zone around the Suites Hotel following disgraceful scenes on Friday.
Merseyside Police arrested 15 people aged between 13 and 54 on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and assault, after a large crowd turned up at the Kirkby hotel. The "protest" descended into mayhem as a number of the group damaged a police Matrix van before setting it alight.
Lit fireworks were also fired at the hotel and at police, with three people including an officer suffering minor injuries. So far one man, 19-year-old Jarad Skeete, has been charged with assaulting an emergency worker and violent disorder.
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Merseyside Police introduced the dispersal zone, under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, on Saturday morning and it will continue until 12.59pm on Friday. The order gives officers the power to move on anyone engaging in antisocial behaviour or "likely to become involved" in such behaviour.
The force said those powers will "not be used for anyone going about their daily business".
The area covered includes all areas within, including and bounded by Moorgate Road North, Green land joining Alchemy Way, crossing A580 East Lancashire Road, crossing green land & joining Ainsworth Lane, Penrhyn Road, School Lane, joining & including Randles Farm Interchange (M57 roundabout) crossing green land to re-join A580 East Lancashire road Eastbound to the junction of Moorgate Road North.
Superintendent Karl Baldwin, from Knowsley Local Policing, said: "Since the order was introduced on Saturday, we have issued several dispersal notices to those looking to gather without good reason in this area. We will continue to use these powers to ensure that there is no repeat of the scenes witnessed on Friday. Additional patrols will be in the area to enforce this, and to speak to those members of the community.
“The incident on Friday put those in the community and our officers at risk. We have made 15 arrests at this time, and one man has been charged. A dedicated investigation team will be reviewing all available evidence to identify and bring to justice those involved in the disorder.
“We have introduced this dispersal zone to give officers the additional powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit offences. There is no excuse for the violence that was carried out on Friday and we will arrest anyone who fails to heed this advice.
“We know people are concerned, but much of that concern is based on misinformation and rumour. There is no excuse for resorting to violence. We know that those involved in the violent activity on Friday used rumours and allegations as an excuse to commit violence and intimidate members of the public.
"Everyone has the right to live their lives in peace and without fear. We are listening to the concerns of our communities in Knowsley and will be continuing to do so this week.
“The suspicious incident last week in Kirkby is, like all such allegations, under investigation by detectives and we always encourage anyone with information on suspected crime in your area to come forward directly to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers. Social media posting and sharing of unsubstantiated rumour is not the way to raise concerns to the police, it could jeopardise any investigation and put innocent people in harm’s way”.
Supt. Baldwin asked anyone with information, footage or images of the disorder, to contact the force with reference 23000121093.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK runs a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625.
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