Seven people have been jailed for their role in a anti-asylum seeker protest.
A police van was set on fire and officers attacked as the previously peaceful demonstration turned violent outside the Suites Hotel in Kirkby last February.
Rocks and fireworks were aimed at on-duty officers attempting to maintain a sense of order after
Items including riot shields, helmets and metal bars were taken from inside the van during the skirmishes that led to three police officers suffering injuries.
Several of the perpetrators were jailed at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday including ring-leader Brian McPadden, who received three-and-a-half years.
The 61-year-old from Kirkby was given a custodial sentence alongside six others charged in connection with the disorder by police raids last May.
John Trippier, Liam Jones, Paul Lafferty, Warren Cullen, Thomas Mills and Jonjo O’Donoghue were also jailed for violent disorder in the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said: “I hope this result shows that anyone who causes violence and disorder in our community and threatens or harms our officers will be reprimanded and brought to justice.
“This incident stemmed from misinformation, speculation and rumours on social media in February last year that was robustly investigated and no further action was taken against anyone who was involved.
“The violence outside the hotel resulted in £83,686 of damage to our vehicles and facilities which could have been used to protect our residents.
“Officers were bombarded with various missiles and dispersal zones were put in place in the aftermath of the disorder to prevent any further incidents.
“It is completely unacceptable to intimidate and target particular communities in Knowsley in this appalling manner and those who did caused fear and distress to those residents inside the hotel and to the local community.
“We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful but such violence that endangered our officers and others will not be tolerated.
“In this case social media speculation, misinformation and rumour can and does cause serious violence in our community.
“Their sentencing sends a clear message of zero tolerance towards this kind of behaviour within our communities and regions across Merseyside.”
If you have any information about violence, disorder or hate crimes in your area please contact Merseyside Police’s social media desks: @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.
If, for any reason, you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK to run a 24/7 confidential helpline for all victims of hate crime on 0800 138 1625 or www.stophateuk.org.
You can also download the Stop Hate UK reporting app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org).