Merseyside Police has arrested a 14-year old boy on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after an incident at Knowsley Heights in Huyton on Bonfire Night (Wednesday 5 November).
Emergency Services were called to Knowsley Heights on Primrose Drive following reports that youths were directing fireworks at a block of flats. Firefighters extinguished a fire on a third-floor balcony.
Fireworks were also fired towards police officers and firefighters who attended the scene and a female police officer suffered a minor injury to the leg.
The boy was detained at around 7.20pm and arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He is currently in custody and enquiries into the matter remain ongoing.
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: “We will not tolerate this type of disgraceful behaviour, particularly when it involves emergency services staff being targeted in such a way. It is only by sheer good fortune that nobody was seriously injured.
“Officers were quickly at the scene and spoke to a number of youths and parents to advise them about their behaviour.
“One teenage male was arrested and will be questioned.”
Cllr Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council added: “I am pleased that our colleagues in Merseyside Police have acted so swiftly and apprehended an individual involved in the incident at Knowsley Heights. It is so shocking to me that our brave and hardworking emergency responders were targeted maliciously, and I strongly condemn the actions of anyone involved.
“Our emergency services do a fantastic job in keeping our communities safe and attacks against them, whilst going about their work, is frankly despicable.
“On behalf of the local community, I would like to express my gratitude to colleagues from Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service for all their efforts – not just last night – but all year round.”