BREAKING Cops shot with fireworks as man discovered with knife
A man has been arrested while in possession of a knife — after fireworks were thrown at police officers. Cops gave chase to two men on motorcycles in Merseyside after the riders were seen launching the fireworks at their colleagues.
Merseyside Police said officers were targeted with fireworks on Bonfire Night before its traffic unit was deployed to pursue two motorcycles.
A spokesperson for the force said how a National Police Air Service helicopter helped officers in tracking the motorcycles to a nearby park. The force did not disclose the area the incident happened in a post on social media.
Officers then pursued them on foot before arresting one male who was found to have a knife. Two bikes have also been seized as a result.
A spokesman said: “After aiming fireworks at police, RPU deployed to locate the riders of these motorcycles. NPAS deployed and observed them, following them to a park. RPU officers deployed on foot, arresting one male who also had a knife, and seized these two bikes.”
It comes after fire crews were targetted with fireworks earlier on Wednesday night as they tackled a blaze in a block of flats. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said crews were attacked while dealing with a blaze at Knowsley Heights in Huyton.
Shocking social media footage shows a firework being shot in the direction of a firefighter while he is next to a fire engine. The fire engine, parked outside the tower block, is shot at from the other side of a metal fence where a small bonfire has been lit.
Crews were called at 6.57pm and five engines were on the scene within minutes to tackle the blaze on the third floor balcony at the Knowsley Heights tower block. Social media footage shows the flames filling the night sky.
A fire brigade spokesman said on social media: “While attending a fire in Huyton, firefighters were targeted and attacked with fireworks. These attacks are unacceptable. Our firefighters are out to protect our communities – not to be attacked.”
Meanwhile, Merseyside Police has issued dispersal orders across Liverpool as its stretched officers tackle a high volume of anti-social behaviour. Under the orders, cops have the power to:
⦁ Require anyone to leave the area and prevent them from returning for up to 48 hours.
⦁ Require a person to surrender items that can be used to cause anti-social behaviour.
⦁ Send under 16s home or to a place of safety.
⦁ Arrest anyone who ignores the instruction.
Liverpool neighbourhood policing Inspector Kieron Hogan said: “We will continue to introduce these dispersal zones into key areas as we know that they are effective.
“People have a right to go about their business in a safe manner and we will use any tool we have to ensure this happens.”
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