A 14-year-old schoolboy has been arrested after masked youths smashed up parked cars in an Asda car park and the surrounding streets in Huyton on Mischief Night. Merseyside Police said it received several reports at around 8pm on Friday, November 3 that approximately 20 males had smashed windows of vehicles at a car park in Asda, Hey Road and surrounding streets.
Footage of the group standing on top of cars and smashing windscreens and wing mirrors in the Huyton area was widely circulated on social media in the days afterwards. In an update this evening, police said there had been further reports that the gang had shouted abuse at members of the public and threatened shop workers in the area.
Arrest and Bail
As part of the investigation, a 14-year-old boy from Everton has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He has been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries. The force added that inquiries are ongoing to identify all the individuals involved.
Inspector David Hassett said: "Our investigation into the mindless vandalism on Friday, October 30 in Huyton is progressing and we have now arrested a suspect. We are determined to find all of the males involved and would continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward."
Community Response
Inspector Hassett added: "Although what happened was clearly concerning and would have had a huge impact on the vehicle owners, I would like to offer reassurance to the community that overall reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage has reduced compared with the previous two years over this period. We take every report seriously and would ask anyone who has experienced ASB in your area to let us know so we can investigate."
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: "Let's be absolutely clear. These incidents were not mischief or anti-social behaviour. It was completely unacceptable criminality. I am delighted that the CCTV footage provided by our council teams to Merseyside Police has helped identify a suspect. I would encourage anyone with further information to provide it to police."
Cllr Morgan also noted that Knowsley has over 1,150 high-definition CCTV cameras linked directly to the Joint Command and Control Room, adding: "If anyone thinks they will get away with this kind of criminal behaviour in our borough they are mistaken. This type of reckless behaviour has no place on our streets and our residents won't stand for it."
Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, or report information via the website or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000891325. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
