A man who has been protesting inside a shopping centre for seven hours waved to his supporters outside.
Lancashire Police were initially called to reports of a concern for safety at the Concourse shopping centre in Skelmersdale at 1.29pm on Tuesday, June 13. Once officers arrived at the scene they found a man was protesting inside.
A cordon was put in place around the shopping centre meaning a number of businesses were closed. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service are also at the scene on standby.
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Four white banners have been put up around the shopping centre which read “Free Mally Jnr” and “Justice for Junior”. The man was seen climbing up metal bars at-least three-storeys high inside the shopping centre.
Police negotiators are inside the building and are actively trying to resolve the incident. He was seen waving at people on the roadside and giving a thumbs up to children who waved at him from the cordon.
Crowds have gathered outside the cordon to watch the man as he climbs around inside. Police are asking people to avoid the area while the incident is ongoing.
A spokesperson from the force said: “We were called at 1.29pm today to the Concourse, Skelmersdale, to a report of a concern for safety.
“Officers attended and found a man protesting on the roof of the building.
A cordon was put in place and will remain in place while the incident is dealt with.
“We ask that the public stay away from the area.”
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