Merseyside Police have said they are “fully prepared for anyone intent on causing disorder” in the aftermath of the Southport knife attack.

With speculation online about further protests taking place on Merseyside over the weekend, the force’s assistant chief constable Jenny Sims has spoken out to reassure residents.

“There are extensive plans and considerable police resources in place to quickly deal with anyone intent on causing disorder over the coming days,” said ACC Sims.

She warned they would look to bring to justice to every person who was identified as committing criminal damage and acts of violence against police staff, officers or people in the community.

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