A mum has slammed “disgusting” scenes of violence after a mass brawl broke out near a primary school in Liverpool.
St Margaret’s Primary School and several shops in Anfield were closed on Wednesday following a mass brawl the day before. Dramatic footage showed two men, carrying metal poles, appearing to strike another man on the floor in Lower Breck Road.
Following the brawl, three men were taken to hospital for treatment with their conditions being described as stable on Wednesday. Merseyside Police told Mirror affiliate the Liverpool Echo, that four people were arrested in connection with the mass brawl. A white Ford van with a smashed windscreen was seen behind the cordon next to a blood spattered floor. Parents recalled having to pick up their children from school as they saw police arrive.
One mum said: “I just hope no children saw it happen. It’s disgusting, it happened right next to the school. I had gone to do the school run yesterday and went to the park with the kids when I saw all the police. I wondered what had gone on. I had to leave my car because we were stuck in traffic for 40 minutes because of the cordon.
“It was so busy. It’s awful. I can see the cordon from my doorstep.” Another man and his partner told the ECHO: “We saw the video, it was pretty bad. There has been lots of rumours, I don’t know what to believe but it’s not nice so close to the school. We live nearby.”
Another shopkeeper, working at Holly’s Minimart, told the Echo how he saw the cordon was still in place. Councillor Joe Dunne, who represents the area where the brawl happened urged people to not spread rumours online. He said: “I am aware of the incident that took place on Lower Breck Road yesterday, and also seen the horrific videos that are being shared quite broadly within the Liverpool area.
“I have viewed some of the comments that have been made on social media about this incident which is spreading misinformation and I would encourage neighbours to not comment on this until they receive the full facts. Police patrols will be going on in the area to provide a presence and a reassurance plan will be put in place
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault. These include a 41-year-old man, from Anfield, a 36-year-old man, also from Anfield, a 27-year-old man, from Kensington, and a 45-year-old man from Anfield who were brought in for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball said: “This investigation continues and a cordon remains in place at the scene as officers carry out further enquiries today. We understand how shocking this incident will have been, either to witness, or to hear about. It happened in a busy area of Anfield and was witnessed by members of the community, including children on their way home from school. Such violence is absolutely abhorrent and will not be tolerated.
“Four arrests have now been made and we will continue to respond to all information to take further positive action. The victims are recovering and will be supported as we seek to establish what led to such shameful scenes.
“I also want to address social media speculation that has emerged since yesterday afternoon, because it can be extremely dangerous in fuelling community tensions, as well as being damaging to our investigation, and to people who are targeted. I would continue to urge people not to speculate, as it increases anxiety and fear in our communities. We will provide further updates on our channels and to media when appropriate.
