Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss has described the scenes in Southport this evening as “sickening”.
Officers have had wheelie bins and bottles thrown at them after disorder broke out at a protest near the scene of the knife attack.
He said: “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.
“The actions in Southport tonight will involve many people who do not live in the Merseyside area or care about the people of Merseyside.