Body camera captures attack on police van during riots

A man has admitted punching a police van while officers were trapped inside and “fearing for their lives” during riots in Southport.

Luke Moran’s attack was captured on police body camera as he repeatedly punched the vehicle and tried to rip off a wing mirror.

The 38-year-old, of Leybourne Avenue in Birkdale, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court following the incident on Zetland Street in Southport on July 30.

Moran was among a crowd of people throwing missiles, bins and other objects at police, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The unrest erupted less than an hour after a vigil was held in memory of the three girls killed in knife attacks at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the city.

Moran will be sentenced on August 21.

In a statement, one officer said he had “serious fears” for his safety during the police van incident and that there was an “obvious tough element of the crowd standing at the front of the crowd who were intent on inflicting harm on the officers”.

Moran was arrested on August 14 by Merseyside Police after being identified from CCTV footage.

He told police during questioning: “I wasn’t anywhere near Zetland Street, St Luke’s Street, mate.”

District Attorney Sarah Gray said: “The footage of Moran banging on the door of the police van is truly shocking.

“It was impossible for the officer to escape or get out – the level of violence and aggression used was absolutely appalling.

“The idea that Moran could behave in such a horrific manner in response to the murder of three children is extremely appalling and utterly disgusting.”

Sarah Hammond, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “Make no mistake, if you have been involved in either fanning the flames online or causing violence and disruption to our community, you will be arrested, convicted and most likely imprisoned.”