Brazen hooded Merseyside rioters show off in police hats as they scorch cop van
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Hooded rioters were filmed allegedly showing off stolen police helmets after they set fire to a police van during a violent clash between "fascists" and counter demonstrators.
The unidentified individuals were videoed allegedly trying to rip the doors off of the police van shortly after it was lit on fire during an “initially peaceful” protest and counter protest in Knowsley, near Liverpool, tonight (February 10).
Police vans were set on fire outside the Suites Hotel in Liverpool, which is believed to be hosting several migrants.
The protest is understood to have been started by people railing against the perceived influx of migrants to the UK.
Protestors were filmed chanting "get them out" as they set fire to police vans, with some carrying signs reading "this is our city".
Riot police are on the scene breaking up the demonstrations.
Merseyside Police said that it has arrested three individuals suspicion of violent disorder following the violent riot.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "During the evening, missiles have reportedly been thrown and damage caused to a police vehicle. No injuries have been reported at this time.
"Additional officers are in the area to deal with these incidents. We have also implemented a number of road closures on the East Lancs Road and would urge motorists to avoid the area and those in the area to disperse."
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.
“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.”
Care4Calais, a charity that helps migrants, said that some of its workers were trapped in the car park of the hotel.
A spokesperson for the group said: "We are deeply distressed [that] a far right protest in Knowsley has led to riots.
"We can’t imagine the terror of the people inside the hotel. Far right protesters have set fire to a police van".
Knowsley's MP, Sir George Howarth, said in a statement shared on Twitter: "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".
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- Missiles
- Fire
- Migrants
- Police
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