Thirty-nine police officers have been injured after unrest broke out in Southport hours after a vigil took place to remember the victims of a knife attack in which three children were killed, the North West Ambulance Service said.

Earlier, Merseyside Police said eight officers sustained serious injuries including fractures, lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.

Other injuries included one officer being knocked unconscious, as well as some suffering head and serious facial injuries. Three police dogs were also hurt, with two having bricks thrown at them.

The disorder, which police said was believed to involve English Defence League supporters, began only a few streets away from Wednesday’s vigil location, near to a mosque on St Luke’s Road in Southport.

Those involved threw bricks at the mosque, set fire to cars and wheelie bins and caused damage to a local convenience store, police said.

In total, 27 officers were taken to hospital, and 12 were treated and discharged at the scene, the ambulance service said.

As a result of the disorder, a 24-hour section 60 Order has been introduced in the area, giving officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals, police said, adding that it will be in place until 19:54 BST on Wednesday.

A section 34 Order has also been introduced, allowing police to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are “likely to become involved in such behaviour”.

Merseyside Police said extra officers will remain in the area “to provide a visible presence and reassure communities.

In addition, a small number ambulance resources will remain at the scene on St Luke’s Road and will continue to support the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss said it was “sickening” that this was happening within a “devastated” community.

He said the force has faced “serious violence” in the Merseyside town, and he was “so proud to have witnessed off-duty officers parade back on duty to support their colleagues who had displayed such courage whilst under constant and sustained attack.”

ACC Goss also thanked officers from Greater Manchester Police, Cheshire Police, Lancashire Police and North Wales Police for providing mutual aid and support.

He added the disorder involved many people “who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside”.

“Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the Mosque car park,” he said.

“This is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling from the events of Monday.”

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after Monday’s attack on a children’s dance club in Hart Street.

ACC Goss said: “There has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old male who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.

“We have already said that the person arrested was born in the UK, and speculation helps nobody at this time.”

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