Teenagers fighting with hammers and knives on cricket pitch forces club to build protective fence
Maghull Cricket Club in Merseyside has reported 25 incidents to police of people harassing players, setting off fireworks and vandalising equipment since July 2024.
Workers have said the years of 'disgraceful incidents' have left children training at the club in tears.
In order to block further disruption from rowdy teens, they now plan to hold a fundraiser to build a fence around to grounds.
In early May, a fight broke out between teenagers on a cricket pitch where about 50 children aged nine to 13 were waiting to play.
The session had to be called off to rush the children back to safety, according to the club's Facebook page.
The post 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.
'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.'
Speaking to the BBC, the chairman of the club, Adam Lloyd, said the fight had been 'traumatising' for those witnessing it and that the club had 'no option' but to build the fence.
He said 'The kids had never seen anything like it before, some were crying,' he said.
He described it as a family club, saying multiple generations of his family have been involved and that they all love being part of it.
At a community meeting organised by the club, it was shared that the violence had left children shaken and led some parents to think about not bringing their kids back to training due to safety concerns.
According to the Telegraph, a mother who witnessed the fight described it as 'truly terrifying', adding: '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.'
Merseyside Police confirmed a 14-year-old boy from Maghull was arrested on suspicion of fighting, carrying a weapon in public, and having a Class B drug and has now been released while the investigation continues.
A 17-year-old boy from Kirkby also came in for a voluntary interview about having cannabis and a public order offence. The police investigation is still ongoing.
Labour MP for Sefton Central, Bill Esterson, called the fight a 'real wake-up call' and said it was 'disturbing and hugely upsetting' for the children who were there to play cricket.
He called for intervention and more youth activities, suggesting that 'maybe some of them can play cricket and football instead of threatening and fighting each other.'
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