Liverpool police granted extra powers as Liver Building set alight in second night of celebrations

Police pelted with bottles as supporters defy lockdown to descend on city centre again

Police in Liverpool have been granted extra powers to disperse crowds after a second night of celebrations following the city’s Premier League triumph saw thousands of people again gather in breach of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Merseyside Police have issued a section 34 dispersal order for the centre – allowing officers to break up groups of more than two people – until Sunday.

The action came as video emerged showing can-clutching fans setting the famous Liver Building alight by aiming fireworks at it.

In the chaos that followed, four fire crews had to put the blaze out, while several police officers were injured by bottles being thrown as they tried to move the crowd on.

By Saturday morning, video footage showed the Pier Head area of the city covered in a mass of litter. The Liverpool Echo reported that one man had been stabbed and footage circulating on social media appeared to show the aftermath of such an incident, but police have yet to confirm any details.

In a statement announcing the section 34 order, Merseyside Police said: "We know a lot of Liverpool fans want to celebrate their Premier League win, but there is a time and a place for this – and this weekend is neither.

"We have seen masses of people flock to the Pier Head area heightening the risk of spreading Covid-19.”

City mayor Joe Anderson also took to Twitter to slam the scenes.

“Covid-19 is still a major risk and our city has already lost far too many people to the illness,” he wrote. “More in sorrow than anger, like most LFC fans & residents I condemn those that brought a negative focus on [the club] and our City. The pics, videos showing peoples behaviour is being talked about instead of the fantastic achievement of LFC.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram who added: “We're not saying this to be party poopers but hundreds of people have already died in our region because of coronavirus. Until it's safe for us to come together, please celebrate at home."

Friday night’s celebrations followed supporters packing into the area around Anfield on Thursday night when Liverpool claimed the title as rivals Manchester City lost to Chelsea.