A Merseyside library was wrecked after a person was reportedly asked to ‘turn down the volume of their music’.
Newton-le-Willows library was forced to close its doors yesterday (Thursday) afternoon after a man pushed over two bookshelves before running from the scene.
Informing locals about the ‘mindless act’ on Facebook yesterday, Councillor Terry Maguire of Earlestown said a man had been approached by a member of staff and asked to turn his music down.
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Councillor Maguire wrote: “All local councillors were informed [yesterday] of the horrific vandalism in our library.
“A person was approached by staff to turn down the volume of their music. The person took exception to this and decided to practically wreck the library by tipping over lots of book racks.
“Luckily nobody was injured but I hope the staff that had to deal with such a horrendous situation are not too shaken. We were informed that the police were already involved and let’s hope this mindless act is brought to justice."
Pictures of the damage posted by the councillor show the two bookshelves fallen towards the wall and a large quantity of books scattered all across the library's floor.
Further damage to the wall and doorframe were also recorded after police attended the scene.
Shortly after the incident, which was reported to police at around 1.50pm, St Helens Libraries informed locals on social media that they would be closing the doors to the Newton-le-Willows library for the remainder of the afternoon due to an 'incident'.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "At around 1.50pm yesterday we received a report of criminal damage in Newton-le-Willows Library.
"It was reported that a man pushed over two sets of bookshelves inside the library.
“He then made off on foot.
“No injuries were reported but there was damage reported to the wall and door frame.”
Anyone with any information is asked to DM @MerpolCC or call 101 with reference 509 of 17/02.
