Latest news with #Ch Insp Chris Barnes
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Police officer among 17 hurt by flares in Liverpool celebrations
A police officer is among 17 people who were injured in incidents involving flares during celebrations ahead of Liverpool's final-game title Reds lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield in front of jubilant fans after drawing 1-1 with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on injuries have prompted a warning from Merseyside Police as hundreds of thousands of fans were expected to descend on the city for the team's open-top bus parade. Ch Insp Chris Barnes said they want people to enjoy the party atmosphere but urged fans not to use flares. The force said a quantity of flares were seized and also four drones that were being flown over Anfield in breach of a temporary air restrictions in place over the ground. He said: "We want everyone who attends today's victory parade to have a safe and enjoyable time. Nobody should have to suffer an injury as a result of the reckless actions of another individual."We know that people want to enjoy the party atmosphere in the city but it is important that we think of everyone's safety and wellbeing."The parade will have its own professionally organised special effects, including confetti canons and fireworks, which will be adding to the fantastic atmosphere in a safe and controlled manner and my urge would be for people to leave it to the professionals." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Liverpool FC victory parade flares warning from police
Liverpool fans heading to Monday's victory parade are being urged not to set off flares or smoke bombs, after dozens of people were injured - including a three-year-old child - during recent celebrations outside 50 people were treated for burns caused by flares being set off after Liverpool clinched the Premier League title against Spurs last month, police and health officials in the city of thousands are expected to line the 10-mile (0.6-km) parade route on Monday, and the club has issued a joint plea with the council, police and doctors for people not to use pyrotechnics."Some of the injuries we've seen have been absolutely horrific, some life-changing, and we just want to avoid that," Ch Insp Chris Barnes said. "Some of these flares, we've been told, can burn up to 2,500C, so they are really really dangerous," he Bimal Mehta, and emergency department consultant at Alder Hey, said flare burn injuries could cause lifelong scarring and disfigurement, and the smoke can be an irritant for children who suffer with asthma or other breathing problems."If the flares or smoke bombs go off in a crowded area where children can't move away from, then they might inhale them and might need to come into hospital for treatment," he said."They are designed as distress signals. They're designed to generate a lot of light and heat and smoke to call aid to someone who's in distress."They are not designed for use in crowded areas or confined spaces."Ch Insp Barnes added: "Don't be that parent or guardian that's got to explain to Alder Hey hospital, to the doctor, that your child has got significant injuries due to you giving them a said there would be professional pyrotechnic displays along the parade route."Please leave it to the professionals to avoid any injuries and let's make sure everyone enjoys the day," he said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
