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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Jonathan Humphries

'Knife attack' and brawl at Liverpool FC Anfield trophy lift investigated by police

Videos from Liverpool FC's trophy lift night at Anfield showing a man appearing to swipe at crowd members with a knife are being investigated by police.

The footage shows a man swinging a metallic object towards people while bystanders shout "he's got a blade."

Another video, shot on Townson Street, opposite the stadium, showed two groups fighting and hurling bottles at each other.

Thousands showed up outside the stadium to celebrate Liverpool lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 30 years - despite a concerted campaign urging people to stay at home.

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The club, Merseyside Police, Mayor Joe Anderson, fan group Spirit of Shankly and Liverpool City Council all cited the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

They were also keen to avoid the ugly scenes that ensued when crowds descended on the Pier Head, in Liverpool City Centre, after the Reds were crowned champions.

Police were caught up in hours of running battles with groups of violent thugs, fireworks were launched at the Liver Building and a man was seriously assaulted as crowds gathered without warning on Friday, June 26.

On Wednesday night a large crowd surrounded Anfield, and although police announced nine arrests were made for isolated incidents, there did not initially seem to have been the large scale disorder that was seen last month.

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However the force has launched a new investigation into the footage, and has urged anyone with information to get in touch.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We are aware of footage filmed during the gathering outside Anfield on Wednesday 22 July circulating online, appearing to show some disorder.

"While the incidents shown were not reported to police during the evening, we are analysing the footage and will investigate any crimes committed.

"We arrested nine people following isolated incidents during the gathering and will take more action if further offences are identified."

Anyone with any further information or footage is asked to DM @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

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