A POLICE Matrix van was set on fire after missiles were reportedly thrown during a shocking disturbance in Merseyside this evening (Friday, February 10).

The alarming scenes have erupted near the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, Merseyside that provides refuge for asylum seekers.

Shocking footage posted on social media showed the police van engulfed by flames.

Three arrested

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and taken to police stations to be questioned.

Knowsley MP Sir George Howarth said the demonstration was triggered by “an alleged incident on social media” and criticised misinformation claiming refugees were “feather-bedded” inside the hotel.

Merseyside Police said a protest and counter protest in Ribblers Lane was initially peaceful, but during the evening there have been reports of missiles being thrown.

Videos shared on social media appear to show a police van on fire.

 

The force said there have been no reports of any injuries.

A number of road closures are in place around the East Lancs Road.

In a statement police said: "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."

'Disgraceful scenes'

In a statement Assistant Chief Constable Paul White 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.

Wirral Globe:

“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."

 

Knowsley Labour MP George Howarth has condemned 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.

"Those demonstrating against refugees at this protest tonight do not represent this community. We are not like that and overwhelmingly behave with sympathy and kindness to others regardless of where they come from."

Merseyside’s Police & Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell condemned the “shocking and concerning” violence outside the Suites Hotel.

She said on Twitter: “Deeply shocking and concerning scenes of violence in Knowsley this evening.

“Utterly unacceptable behaviour, putting officers & public in danger.

“I am monitoring the situation closely. There is absolutely no excuses for this.”