171 people have now been arrested for their involvement in the violent disorder

A teen who was caught throwing missiles towards police officers is among two others who appeared in court today, for their involvement in the violent disorder in Southport last year.

Three teens, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Liverpool Youth Court today after pleading guilty at a previous hearing. A 16-year-old boy from Ainsdale was sentenced to a Youth Rehabilitation Order, 120 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 court costs for his involvement in violent disorder.

The youth was seen causing damage to the mosque wall and fence in Southport on July 30, last year. He was seen to throw a piece of the damaged wall at the police line. Another 16-year-old boy from Ainsdale was referred to youth offending panel for 12 months for his involvement in violent disorder in Southport.

He was captured throwing several missiles towards officers and kicking down a brick wall. He was then seen to enter Windsor Mini Mart and steal items from the shop.

A 17-year-old man from Southport was referred to youth offending panel for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 court costs for his involvement in violent disorder. He was captured throwing missiles at the police officers during the disorder.

Two people were also charged for their involvement in violent disorder yesterday. Gavin O’Connor, 46, of Spring Close in Oldham, has been charged with violent disorder. He has been bailed and will next attend Liverpool Magistrates Court on Monday, February 10.

A 22-year-old man from Tarleton was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. He has been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries. And a 30-year-old man from Bootle was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. He is in police custody to be questioned.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Sloan said: “This latest update demonstrates that we are relentless in bringing those who helped cause such violence and disruption to our communities to justice, and continue to be committed to ensure those responsible are held to account.

“The actions of those who decided to take part in the disorder last summer was shocking for all to witness and brought disgrace to the region.

“We are identifying more people who displayed such abhorrent behaviour which damaged our communities, and would encourage anyone with information to contact us.”

The total number of people arrested for disorder in Merseyside now stands at 171, with 128 charged and 102 sentenced to a combined 205 years and four months in prison.

Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Current galleries of people police would like to speak to can be found on Merseyside Police’s X and Facebook pages, or on its website: Latest CCTV appeal in relation to summer disorder in Merseyside | Merseyside Police.

Liverpool Echo