The man is accused of taking to social media to encourage others to take part in the violent disorder
A man suspected of using social media to encourage others to take part in a riot has been arrested. A total of 48 people have now been arrested in connection with the violence in Southport and Liverpool, which saw residents’ property damaged, cars set alight and police officers attacked.
A 39-year-old man from Rufford, Ormskirk, was today arrested on suspicion of encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence, believing one or more will be committed. He was also arrested on suspicion of engaging in violent disorder himself in Southport on July 30, when a mob descended on the town following the fatal stabbings of three young girls, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice DaSilva Aguiar.
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Detective Chief Inspector Tony Roberts said: “This arrest demonstrates our aim is not only to bring to justice those people who chose to engage in violence and destruction to Southport and elsewhere. We are also determined to arrest anyone we suspect tried to stir up hate online, and actively encouraged others to take the streets to cause violence and physical harm in our communities.
“We have now arrested 48 people in connection with the violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool. And as we trawl through hours and hours of footage of those who brought fear to our streets, there will be many more to come. In the past two days, seven men have been jailed in Merseyside for the roles they played and anyone who chooses to join disorder should expect the same fate.
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“Working together, we will identify and remove from the streets those people who attacked communities still mourning the tragic murders of Bebe, Elsie and Alice.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerpolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000663787. A gallery of people police would like to speak to in relation to the violent disorder can be found HERE.
