Photographs show the aftermath of shocking scenes that saw opposing protestors clash outside a hotel, which is being used to house asylum seekers.
A police van was vandalised and then set on fire during the demonstration last night (Friday February 10), while missiles were also thrown. Three people have since been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
The area around the Suites Hotel, Kirkby, Merseyside, was quiet this morning but images taken and shared by the Liverpool Echo show abandoned police riot gear strewn across the ground, scorch marks on the pavement, and broken placards.
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A spokesperson Merseyside Police said additional officers were deployed to the area to deal with the incidents. Officers have also taken measures to record the actions of those at the protest to gather further evidence.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed this morning he would be visiting the site with Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan. Mr Rotheram said: "Our area has been a sanctuary for people seeking refuge for centuries.
"The disturbing scenes in Knowsley aren't representative of our area or its people. Hatred is not welcome here."
Coun Morgan said last night he was "saddened and concerned" by the behaviour that "put the safety of the local community, police officers and our emergency services on the scene at risk".
It is understood a number of far-right groups were involved in organising the protest. Knowsley Labour MP George Howarth said he had referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which he said had "triggered" the protest, to police. The MP said the violent scenes did not represent the community.
He said in a statement on Twitter: "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."
The statement added: "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."
Merseyside Police 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. 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."
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