A police Matrix van and car were set on fire this evening in disgraceful scenes as hundreds gathered outside a hotel in Kirkby.
Shocking images from the scene outside the Suites Hotel show the van, parked near to the gathering, initially vandalised with graffiti before being set alight. A line of riot police quickly surrounded the van.
Police have confirmed they were initially called to Ribblers Lane at around 6.30pm to what they said was initially a "peaceful protest and counter protest". However they said missiles were then thrown and damage caused. Footage sent to the ECHO shows people taking what appear to be sledgehammers to a police vehicle.
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It is understood a number of far-right groups were involved in organising the protest and tonight 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.
"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"
In further disturbing footage, people can be heard kicking railings, shouting and chanting as well as running in the middle of the road as traffic tries to pass.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that officers are in Kirkby dealing with two groups of protesters this evening, Friday 10 February.
"At around 6.30pm, officers were facilitating an initially peaceful protest and counter protest on Ribblers Lane.
"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. More updates will be on @MerseyPolice channels when we have them."
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