Boy, 13, held for attacking police in summer riots

Merseyside Police has arrested 159 people since unrest over the summer

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of hurling objects at police during the summer riots.

Violent clashes erupted between crowds of people and police forces in towns and cities across England after the Southport stabbings on 29 July.

Large mobs caused extensive damage and clashed with officers in the Merseyside town and in Liverpool in the days that followed.

The boy, from Rock Ferry in Wirral, was detained on Monday on suspicion of committing violent disorder in Liverpool, and has since been released on bail.

Merseyside Police also said a 16-year-old boy from Old Swan in Liverpool was charged with the same offence.

'We will not stop'

He was due to appear in Liverpool Youth Court.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man from Wigan arrested yesterday on suspicion of committing violent disorder has been bailed, while another 16-year-old boy from New Brighton was sentenced at Liverpool Youth Court.

He received a 12-month referral order, which included requirements to complete an "education and better choices programme" and to pay £300 in compensation.

Det Ch Insp Tony Roberts said: "These latest outcomes demonstrate our determination to put before the courts all of those who brought shame to the region over the summer, many of who travelled to Merseyside from other areas.

"We continue to review footage and information as it comes in, and we will not stop until we've put everyone we possibly can before the courts."

The force said the total number of people it had arrested had reached 159, with 112 charged and 86 sentenced to a combined 178 years and 10 months in prison.