Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims, who led today’s police operation, said: “The behaviour we saw today in Liverpool city centre is completely unacceptable.
“What should have been a sunny Saturday on the historic seafront, to be enjoyed by people of all ages, turned into an afternoon of brazen disorder and violence, which potentially put decent members of the public, including children, at risk.
“We have heard reports of families having to flee the area, some of whom brought children to see the Disney Dream cruise ship docked nearby.
“This disorder, violence and destruction has no place here in Merseyside, certainly not after the tragic events that took place in Southport on Monday.
“Our priority has always been the safety of the public, and officers have put themselves in harm’s way to protect the wider community, and I am incredibly proud of the bravery, resilience and professionalism they demonstrated today.
“These officers were met with shameful levels of violence and attempted provocation by several of those present.
“We can confirm that two officers have been taken to hospital, one with a suspected broken nose and the other with a suspected broken jaw.
“We have already arrested six people, aged between 29 and 58, on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and criminal damage, and that number will increase.
Assistant Chief Constable Sims added: “The aggressive and abusive behaviour of large groups today will never be tolerated and is being dealt with firmly. Those who engaged in this behaviour bring nothing but shame to themselves and this city. Their behaviour does not represent the good people of Merseyside, and any attempts to promote division between our communities following such a horrific tragedy will not succeed.
“I would urge anyone thinking of continuing to carry out such mayhem to think long and hard. We are gathering evidence from body cameras, CCTV and mobile phone cameras, and anyone involved in today’s mayhem can expect to face the full force of the law.”