The footage shared by the CPS shows Luke Moran and others attempting to destroy the van during the Southport riots
Body Worn Camera Footage Of Southport Disorder
This is the moment a terrified police officer gets surrounded by an “appalling” crowd during the riots in Southport. The officer told Liverpool Magistrates’ Court: “I seriously feared for my safety as I was faced by hundreds of men attempting to inflict serious harm onto the police.”
In the footage, taken from the officer’s body-worn camera and released to the press by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the officer attempts to drive the police carrier away from the mob. However, due to the crowd of hundreds of people, who had already thrown bricks at officers and set a vehicle alight, the officer is trapped.
His body-worn camera shows the mob trying to pull open the carrier’s door, with the officer desperately scrabbling to keep it closed. It then shows one of the perpetrators of the violence, Luke Moran, attempting to rip off the wing mirror and then try and smash the window to get to the officer inside.
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Moran, 38 of Leybourne Avenue in Birkdale, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to the violent disorder on Zetland Street in Southport. Moran was arrested on August 14 – around two weeks after the riot – after he was identified on CCTV.
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However, when he was questioned by the police he claimed: “I was nowhere near Zetland Street, St Luke’s Street, mate”. Moran will be sentenced on August 21 for his role in the riots. The officer, whose body-worn camera captured Moran, added: “There was an obvious “hardcore” element of the mob which stood at the front of the crowd who were intent on inflicting harm on officers.”
District Crown Prosecutor Sarah Gray, of CPS Mersey Cheshire, said: “The footage of Moran battering at the police van door is truly shocking, it made it impossible for the officer to either drive away or get out – the level of violence and aggression used was absolutely appalling.
“In the midst of the serious violent disorder, Moran persists in battering the door and seems absolutely determined to try to get at the officer. He was part of a crowd of people who were attacking police officers who were simply trying to maintain the peace.
“The idea that Moran was motivated to behave in such a dreadful way in response to the murder of three children is extremely distressing and quite disgusting. Whatever he thought his motivation was, he behaved dreadfully on that day and is now facing the consequences.”
Moran’s arrest comes as part of a police investigation into the violent disorder that occurred in Southport, Liverpool city centre and Walton in the aftermath of the deaths of three young girls in a mass stabbing on July 29. Over 70 people have been arrested in Merseyside and 44 charged.
Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Make no mistake, if you have taken part either by fanning the flames online or by bringing violence and disruption to our community, you will be caught, convicted and most likely imprisoned. It does not matter what your motivation may have been, you will be prosecuted.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
