Eight people were arrested today (June 13) during protests on County Road in Walton, Liverpool. Merseyside Police confirmed that those arrested face a variety of public order and anti-social behaviour offences. All individuals have been taken to police stations for questioning.
Police Presence and Extra Powers
A significant police presence has been maintained in the area since the morning. The force was granted additional powers during the protests, and a dispersal zone was established to prevent potential criminality and disorder. This zone is in effect from 9am on Saturday, June 13 until midnight on Sunday, June 14.
Protest Dynamics
Shortly after 11am, anti-immigration protesters began gathering outside the Royal Oak pub on County Road. They were initially outnumbered by counter-protesters standing a few yards away on the opposite side of the road. As the morning progressed, numbers increased, and chants were exchanged between both sides. Anti-Keir Starmer rhetoric and support for Liverpool's refugee community were among the sentiments aired.
The protest continued in a similar manner until it was interrupted when a man was led away by police shortly after 12pm. In the afternoon, anti-immigration protesters were escorted from their initial meeting point outside the Royal Oak and led up County Road. They came to a standstill next to Walton Parish Church, where some protesters separated and headed down a side path onto Heathcote Road. Ultimately, they returned to the Royal Oak, with a significant number passing Goodison Park and Westminster Road, decreasing in number as the journey progressed.
Arrests and Charges
Police confirmed that a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a Section 60a public order offence and possession of cannabis, after reportedly refusing to remove a balaclava in a location covered by the Section 60 order. A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a constable. Other arrests were made for public order offences.
Police Statement
Superintendent Phil Mullally stated: “All of those people arrested will now be subject to investigations, so if you have any information to assist, then please let us know. The majority of these arrests were made prior to the procession or after groups dispersed, with individuals identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour in nearby locations. We hope that the disruption caused today has been minimal, which was assisted by our use of additional powers, including a Section 60 order and Section 34 Dispersal zone. Our response today was clear – to ensure the safety of all those attending and of the wider public, and of course to take swift, appropriate and proportionate action if people are suspected of committing criminal offences. Please contact us if you have any other information, either directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
