A large family funeral gathering erupted into horrifying violence instead after a rammy broke out at a pub where the wake was being held. According to reports, the funeral party, which had about 60 people in attendance, had been drinking for several hours at the Red Lion boozer in Litherland following the funeral on July 14.
An "altercation" broke out between two of the family members, which led to them being kicked out from the establishment at about 10pm. The fight then spilled out into the street outside, with several rows breaking out while others tried to mediate the situation.
A police cordon was set up around the pub, which was recently taken over by new owners after being closed throughout the pandemic, Liverpool Echo reports.
An employee could be seen scrubbing away the blood from the pavement outside. The new leaseholder of the pub, who wanted to be known only as "Jordan", said that the funeral party was made up of a Crosby-based family who had booked the venue for a wake after the funeral service of a man who had died at the age of 36.
He added: "They wanted somewhere large because of the numbers of people who were attending. Between 10 and 11pm, there was an altercation between two family members which caused a fight inside the pub. They were pushed out by security staff and the fight spilt outside onto the pavement.
"There was a lot of blood. We'd made the pub specially available to accommodate them all, ahead of the full opening of the beer garden on Saturday."
He said: "I'm disgusted that a family paying their respects can act like that. We are a community pub which has a good following and I've put in a lot of investment since the pub re-opened to make it a place that's safe for people to visit. We'll now have to step up security."
A nearby resident likened the scenes outside the pub last night to a "schoolyard fight," adding: "There were about 30 people outside the pub and some were brawling, while others were trying to break it up. It was a bit chaotic. When the police turned up they all dispersed."
Police confirmed two men were arrested after an assault at the Red Lion last night (Thursday). It was reported that a man was assaulted by two men inside the pub. A fight then broke out which left the man unconscious outside of the premises.
The man suffered injuries to his head and face and was treated by paramedics at the scene but did not wish to be taken to hospital for his injuries. Two men aged 38 and 36 from Waterloo were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault. They were both taken to a police station in Merseyside where they remain in custody.
Anyone with information or CCTV footage of the incident which could assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC quoting reference number 22000503230. Alternatively you can leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers, either on 0800 555 111 or by using their online form.
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