In a statement on Tuesday evening, Assistant Chief Constable Goss confirmed many involved in tonight’s riots are not from Southport
He said: “The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.
“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.”
It comes after the deaths of three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance class on Monday that left a further eight children and two adults injured.
A vigil was held on Tuesday evening to remember the three girls killed after they were named as Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Aguiar.
Local MP Patrick Hurley said he “fully condemns any attack” on emergency services in the wake of tonight’s riots.
“It’s distressing to see people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people,” he said.
“I appeal to local people to avoid the area and stay safe, to allow the police to do their job. I want to thank our community for pulling together and supporting every person who has been affected by Monday’s tragic attack.”
Alex Goss, said: “It is sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.
“In the last 24 hours, we have seen overwhelming support and sympathy from the community and wider Merseyside communities for the families who are currently trying to deal with their loss and care for victims injured during the major incident.
“Yesterday, our officers and other members of the emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavour to prevent disorder.
