Request for information regarding an assault

MERSEYSIDE Police would like to speak with a man who may have information regarding an assault in Liverpool. The victim of the assault was a 38 year old man, who was in Stanley Street in Liverpool City Centre, near the Eleanor Rigby statue at around 2:30am on Sunday, 19 July 2009. The man was kicked and punched, resulting in a broken ankle, which has required surgery. The attack is believed to be unprovoked. It is believed that witnesses may have seen the assault and may be able to assist detectives with their enquiries. Police officers have now spoken to six women in connection with the assault, who are on the released CCTV footage images. So far no charges have been made at this stage. Detective Constable Mike James said:- “This was a vicious and unprovoked attack on a man who was enjoying a night out with his girlfriend. We urge anyone who saw the incident or anyone who recognises anyone featured in CCTV who can help us with our enquiries to come forward.” The man is described as being in his early twenties with short dark hair and was wearing a light pink or white shirt. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 4064 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Missing Southport Man Found Dead

KNOW to many as a former Chairman of Southport Home Watch, Herbert Owens had been missing from his home in Southport since 27 September 2009. Bert was 82 years of age and was last seen driving a silver Rover. Sadly Merseyside police have found his body in Seaforth Dock on Saturday, 10 October 2009. Our thoughts go out to his family. Results are now being waited for after a post-mortem took place to establish the cause of death. 

WITNESS APPEAL - AGGRAVATED BURGLARY

MERSEYSIDE Police are now appealing for witnesses to a robbery that occurred in West Derby on Wednesday, 7 October 2009.  At 8pm five men forcibly entered a house on Avington Close and threatened the elderly occupants. They stole two distinctive watches, one was a silver Cartier with a square face and the other a Rolex with a white clock face.

The men left the area in a silver Volvo, which was later found in Cheldon Road, West Derby, displaying false registration plates. The plates had been stolen from another vehicle.

The offenders are all described as being male, white and wearing dark coloured clothing. The first offender is described as being 6ft tall of slim build with short fair hair, the second is described as being 5ft 7 ins tall with dark brown eyes and a pointy nose, the third is described as being 5ft 10 ins tall. The forth offender is described as being 5ft 6 ins tall and of slim build. All the men are believed to have local accents.

Detective Constable Andy Bason said:- "This incident has left the occupants very shaken and upset. The watches are of great sentimental value and I would urge anyone with knowledge of this incident to come forward. The Volvo car used by the offenders is also believed to have been used during a Robbery at Nobles Amusement Arcade on Saturday, 3 October and I would again urge anyone with information about this offence to come forward. I am sure someone must have noticed these men or the car. I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are very rare, and we have stepped up our patrols in the area to reassure the public. Merseyside Police is determined to identify the offenders and bring them to justice and we would appeal to any member of the public who witnessed this incident to come forward."

Anyone who has any information about this incident, is asked to contact the robbery team at St Anne Street on:- 0151 777 4808 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

CRIMINAL DAMAGE - RAF WOODVALE

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for information following an incident of criminal damage in the Formby area, on Friday, 9 October 2009.

Just before 10.30pm officers on duty RAF Woodvale, where the Force helicopter is stored, prevented a number of offenders from seriously damaging the aircraft.

Other officers quickly arrived on the scene and the offenders left having caused slight damage to the helicopter. The prompt action by police officers and the recently enhanced security measures prevented the offenders from causing anything other than minor damage to the aircraft.

As a precautionary measure Merseyside Fire and Rescue attended the scene. No one was injured during the incident.

The Mitsubishi Shogun, believed to have been used by the offenders, was later found burnt out on Moore Lane, Altcar.

A short time later a silver Audi A4 with blacked out windows was seen travelling at high speed along Formby Bypass with a number of people on board. Officers tracked and pursued the vehicle from Formby to Liverpool city centre.

The car then entered the Birkenhead tunnel and was abandoned by the passengers and driver. At the same time another vehicle, a black Audi S8, left the tunnel at speed in the direction of Liverpool city centre.  Following this incident the tunnel was closed to allow an extensive search by officers.

This vehicle was pursued by officers up to Upper Parliament Street. This vehicle was then collision with a police vehicle on Upper Hampton Street.  The police vehicle caught fire as a result of the collision. An officer received slight injuries.  Three men, aged 24, 25 and 26, from the vehicle were arrested at the scene. 

Superintendent Jonathan Roy, said:- "Officers from Merseyside Police have launched a far reaching investigation after the force helicopter was targeted last night. The prompt response by police officers and aircrew and recently enhanced security measures prevented this from becoming a more serious incident. In addition outstanding action by all the officers involved resulted in the arrest of three men without injury to any member of the public. We are determined to bring all offenders involved in this matter to justice and investigators will leave no stone unturned in so doing. Members of the community we serve and members of the criminal fraternity should take note that highly effective air support was maintained throughout last night's operation and I must reassure you that the effective provision of air support to the county of Merseyside is still in place and will be maintained."

Enquiries are ongoing.  Officers are appealing for anyone with information to call Merseyside Police on:- 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.