Merseyside riot victims urged to claim compensation

A police van was set alight during riots in Southport

Businesses who were impacted by riots on Merseyside are being urged to make sure they claim compensation.

Violent unrest spread across the region, along with towns and cities across the country, in the aftermath of the killings of three young girls at a holiday club in Southport.

Several businesses were destroyed in Southport and Liverpool, including Spellow Library Hub, which was set alight as rioters took to the streets in Walton.

Those who suffered losses or damage to their cars, homes, or shops are now being urged to claim compensation by the region's police and crime commissioner.

'Shameful scenes'

Liverpool City Council-run Spellow Hub, which only reopened last March, was one of the many places targeted amid shops being looted and wheelie bins set alight in Walton, just a day after the fatal stabbings in Southport on 29 July.

It followed misinformation spread online about the suspect.

A Riot Compensation Scheme has been introduced, which could help owners of buildings which suffered structural damage and tenants or occupiers which had stock or assets damaged or stolen or vehicles damaged.

Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Having spent time in some of the areas affected by the shameful scenes of violence and disorder, it was quite clear to see the scale of damage to properties and vehicles.

"I want to ensure everyone affected by these appalling incidents can recover as quickly as possible and critical to that is accessing the financial support to which you are entitled".

Residents in Southport cleaning up the debris after rioting

To qualify for compensation through the scheme, victims must be able to demonstrate the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot.

To make a claim, individuals must report the crime to the police, if they have not already and receive a crime reference number.

Those with insurance, must claim via their insurer first and claims must be sent within 43 days after the riot.