What Was Behind Yesterday’s Large Police Response Across Sefton?

Police have confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with multiple offences following an incident across Sefton yesterday, Monday 2 February.

At around 2.10pm, officers received a report of a man stealing alcohol from the One Stop shop on Liverpool Road in Ainsdale, before making off in a stolen Mercedes.

Following enquiries with Merseyside Police and Lancashire Police, it was established that the Mercedes was later involved in a collision with a garden wall in Aughton, before a second vehicle, a Land Rover, was stolen.

At approximately 3.15pm, officers detained a suspect on Altcar Road, Formby, after reports that the Land Rover had been abandoned on Backmoss Lane.

A 27 year old man from Formby has been arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• Two counts of aggravated vehicle taking

• Burglary dwelling

• Theft shop

• Section 47 assault

• Failing to provide a specimen

• Driving without a licence or insurance

He remains in custody at the time of writing.

Detective Inspector Sara Lang said:

“We understand the concern that such an incident will have caused to those who were targeted, as well as any witnesses.”

“I would ask that anyone who saw what happened and has yet to come forward does so, as we continue our enquiries and support the victims. Although a man is in custody, it is vital that we piece together what happened as the investigation continues.”

Anyone with information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact police via social media or by calling 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 26000090294.

The incident resulted in a significant police response across several Sefton locations, including visible police activity and a helicopter, which prompted concern from members of the public.