Children in tears as gang of youths with 'knives and hammers' invade sports club pitch

Daily Record

03-05-2025

One mum who witnessed the incident with her two children called it "truly terrifying."
Terrified children were escorted from a cricket pitch in tears after a gang of youths armed with "knives, hammers and a garden spade" gathered for a mass brawl.
Terror unfolded as around 50 children, aged nine to 13, were waiting to start their junior practice session at Maghull Cricket Club in Liverpool on May 3.
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A number of youths then congregated on the pitch and "engaged in organised fighting".
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The shocking scenes left several children in tears before they were escorted away by parents who were in attendance.
One mum who witnessed the incident wrote on Facebook: "I was there this evening with my eight and 10 year old. It was truly terrifying.
"I would like to just say a massive thank you to the adults, especially the men/fathers, involved with the club who quickly stepped in ushering the children to safety and stepping in bravely to defend them if needed. You didn't hesitate to take action and it didn't go unnoticed."
One image taken by the cricket club and shared with the ECHO shows a large number of teenagers, some on bikes, gathered in a huddle. A second picture shows two teenagers appearing to face off against each other, one holding a large hammer and a second clutching what appears to be a cricket stump.
A statement posted to Maghull Cricket Club's Facebook page said: "Sadly, we must report to the people of Maghull another in a long list of disgraceful incidents that have blighted our club for several years.
"Tonight, during a junior section practice evening, a number of youths have congregated on our pitch and engaged in organised fighting, delaying the start of the session.
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"A short while later, more youths appeared, fighting and threatening each other with hammers, knives, a garden spade and a stump stolen from our practice area.
"The 50 or so youngsters practicing, aged between nine and 13, had to be escorted off the pitch by our coaches for their safety, some in tears."
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Maghull Sudell Cllr Phil Hart said the incident was "heartbreaking" and he would be taking the matter "very seriously". Replying to the Facebook post, he said: "This is absolutely heartbreaking to read.
"I'm so sorry that your young players, coaches, and volunteers - and the wider community - had to witness and endure something so frightening. Our pitches and parks should be safe spaces for young people to enjoy sport, not scenes of violence and fear.
"As your local councillor, I want you to know I'm taking this very seriously. I'll be raising this with Sefton Council and Merseyside Police, and doing everything I can to push for a proper and urgent response."
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One person wrote on the cricket club's Facebook: "Hope this gets sorted and cricket can continue. A club that serves its community so well needs so much more from its community."
A second person added: "This is very sad. Maghull Cricket Club is a great venue with great lads who love their cricket. I hope you move forward with this issue in partnership with the old bill and other services. Keep the faith."
Merseyside Police was approached for comment.