Sir Andy Marsh said grieving families must be at the forefront of our minds and thugs brought violence to a devastated community.
Chief Constable condemns Southport violence
Published on
News
2 mins read
Police officers have been seriously injured after bricks, stones and bottles were thrown during violence in Southport following a peaceful vigil for three girls killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.
Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed in Southport on Monday. A 17-year-old boy remains in custody accused of murder and attempted murder. He cannot be named for legal reasons because of his age.
Merseyside Police confirmed 22 officers were injured, including eight with serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
The horrific act of violence in Southport has left families grieving and a whole community in a state of total shock. My thoughts remain with all those affected. I cannot begin to imagine what they will be going through at this time. Their grief must be at the forefront of our minds and in our thoughts.
Last night we witnessed disgusting scenes where a minority of thugs chose to use this appalling tragedy to bring violence to the streets of a devastated community. They attacked a place of worship where people find solace and they injured my colleagues, the very same officers who would likely have responded to this incident just hours before.
I’m very grateful to the Merseyside Police officers who dealt with this inexcusable violence and to those from surrounding forces, Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Constabulary, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who provided mutual aid. They want to be in their communities supporting people to deal with the aftermath of this attack - they do not deserve to be pelted with bricks by mindless thugs. I know Merseyside Police will be providing them with support and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.
Above all I continue to hold the families involved in this unspeakable tragedy in my thoughts.
Sir Andy Marsh, College of Policing Chief Constable
The College of Policing’s National Police Wellbeing Service provides support and guidance around wellbeing. It is an evidence-based service which has been developed for policing, by policing, and is designed to meet the unique needs of police forces, officers and staff.
You can access self-care tips and advice and links to other helpful organisations and sources of support.
