NORTH Wales Police provided support for its colleagues in Merseyside during rioting in Southport last night (Tuesday, July 30). 

Over 50 officers (49 from Merseyside Police and four from Lancashire) were injured in the incident which followed the deaths of three children in a mass stabbing in Southport on Monday. Three police dogs were also injured. 

Merseyside Police said rioters destroyed garden walls to use the bricks as missiles to attack officers and set cars belonging to the public on fire at random. Those involved also threw bricks at the local Mosque, damaged a local convenience store, and set wheelie bins on fire.  

So far, four men have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said. 

Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “We were joined by colleagues from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police who also provided mutual aid and support, and I want to thank them publicly for their assistance. Sadly, 49 Merseyside officers and four Lancashire officers were injured in their efforts to prevent further disorder and protect the public.

“The wanton violence and destruction we saw is the very last thing the people of Southport need having been rocked by the awful events of Monday. The disrespect toward grieving families and the community is despicable, and I want to reassure residents in Southport that we will have a significantly increased police presence in the town in the coming days."