Statement
As a member of one the city’s two major arts consortia, Liverpool Arts Reneration Consortia (LARC) and Creative Organisations of Liverpool (COoL), oour thoughts and solidarity are with all those who have been affected and impacted by the shocking incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital recently.
We are appalled at the reported increase in hate crime against our Muslim and newly arrived communities and we stand in strength with our friends and neighbours who have been receiving abuse. Our sector prides itself on inclusivity and togetherness and we celebrate all communities for the contribution they make to Liverpool.
Ours is a city formed by successive waves of immigration and enriched by cultural and religious diversity. Our strong community spirit will always overcome the hate that tries to divide us.
Download a (UK) victim support leaflet, for those affected by acts of terror, here.
For anyone wanting to find out more about Liverpool Irish Festival‘s position on equality or Black Lives Matter, please visit this page.
Additional information, provided by Liverpool Community Cohesion team
This is the latest update for partners about the terrorist incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and was correct as of 1000hrs on Tuesday 16 November 2021. It is an amalgum of the reports of 15 and 16 Nov. All telephone numbers are UK numbers, therefore require a +44 (0) suffix if calling from an international number.
THE INVESTIGATION
- The taxi passenger who died has been named as Emad Al Swealmeen
- Four men aged between 20 and 29 who were arrested have been released without charge – police say they are satisfied with their accounts
- Counter terrorism officers say they have made significant progress and have a much greater understanding of the explosive device and how it was assembled – but it could take weeks to establish how the incident was planned and prepared
- The incident has been confirmed as a terrorist incident and is being led by the Counter Terrorism unit at Greater Manchester Police, supported by Merseyside Police
- There is no known motive for the incident at this time
- A police presence remains at Rutland Avenue near Sefton Park
- A police cordon remains in place at Liverpool Women’s Hospital
- Access to visitors to Liverpool Women’s Hospital is limited until further notice
- Patients are no longer being diverted and appointments are going ahead as normal
- The hospital has increased security and police presence on-site
- Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy has confirmed police patrols will be stepped up in local communities
- The Home Secretary has raised the terrorist threat level to ‘severe’ meaning an attack is ‘highly likely’
- Two schools which were closed today will reopen today – parents are advised to send their children in as normal
FACTS FOR SHARING
- This is a live police investigation and it is vital it is not jeopardised
- The taxi driver is being treated as a key witness to the incident
- Please share information and statements from official sources such as Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council (details and links below)
STATEMENTS
Counter terrorism Police (issued at 19.24hrs on 15 November)
Four men arrested in relation to the explosion outside the Women’s Hospital in Liverpool on Sunday 14th November have now been released from custody following interview.
Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, said: “Following interviews with the arrested men, we are satisfied with the accounts they have provided and they have been released from police custody.
“The investigation continues to move at a fast pace with investigative teams working throughout the night.
“We have made significant progress since Sunday morning and have a much greater understanding of the component parts of the device, how they were obtained and how the parts are likely to have been assembled. We have also recovered important evidence from the address at Rutland Avenue which is becoming central to the investigation.
“There is a considerable way to go to understand how this incident was planned, prepared for and how it happened. We are gaining a better understanding by the hour but it is likely to be some time, perhaps many weeks until we are confident on our understanding of what has taken place.
“In the meantime, we have considerable resources and staff deployed to understand how this device was built and who if anyone else was involved. If the evidence takes us to the involvement of others, further arrests will quickly take place.”
Anyone who has any information should call on 0161 856 1027 quoting Liverpool Womens Hospital incident.
Details can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Support for victims of terrorism (issued by the Home Office on 15 November)
If you have been affected by the incident in Liverpool on 14 November 2021, or any other terrorist incident, find out where to seek advice and assistance following a terrorist attack.
- Victim Support – conducts terror incident needs assessments (TINA) for each survivor – they refer individuals on to the following services if appropriate
- Cruse Bereavement Care – provides bereavement support and advice to those victims not currently eligible for support through the homicide service (that is, individuals who are not immediate family members)
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) – provides clinical mental health assessments and onward referral for those affected by terrorism
- Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation – facilitates a long-term, peer support network to help victims and survivors of terrorism support each other
There are also provides details of official helplines and support services available to victims, survivors, witnesses, family members, and all those affected.
Source: https://victimsofterrorism.campaign.gov.uk/
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (issued on 15 November)
We offer our sympathy to those affected by this horrific attack. If you have been injured in this incident you can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for compensation. Compensation is payable to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
You don’t need a paid representative, such as a solicitor or claims management company, to apply for compensation. Free independent advice may be available from the Victim and Witness Information website or other charitable organisations.
If you have been directly affected by this incident you can find out more about the Scheme and how to apply on GOV.UK. Alternatively, you can call the CICA helpline on 0300 003 3601.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/liverpool-womens-hospital-terror-attack-victims-compensation
Merseyside Police – issued at 11.49 on Monday 15 November
Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Serena Kennedy said: “I completely understand that communities in Merseyside may be concerned and I can reassure you that my officers are out on the ground and providing high visibility reassurance.
“There is no specific threat to the area, but I have asked for patrols to be increased across Merseyside.
“Incidents such as this are very rare, but I would ask people to remain calm, but be vigilant and alert.
“There has also been a lot of speculation on social media and false reports of further incidents, for that reason I would urge members of the public to rely on the official information which will released on our Twitter feed @MerseyPolice and the Merseyside Police website for information, or @GMPolice or the Greater Manchester Police website.
“The people of Liverpool and Merseyside are well known for supporting each other and at a time like this this is needed more than ever.
“Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are leading the investigation, supported by detectives and uniformed officers from Merseyside Police, and we are continuing to work with our partners at Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital to establish what has taken place.
“Merseyside Police will continue to liaise with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals in the coming days and weeks to make sure any concerns are addressed and ensuring that we provide the best possible service to local people.
“It is also important that people do not speculate about what has happened. We will endeavour to update our communities as soon as we are able.
“I would continue to advise people to be vigilant and if they have any concerns to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
Home Office – issued Monday 15 November
Following the most recent JTAC assessment, the Home Secretary has today (15th November 2021) announced that the threat level to the UK from terrorism has been raised to Severe – an attack is highly likely.
Following yesterday’s incident in Liverpool, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today (15 November) taken the decision to raise the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely.
The decision has been driven by two terrorist incidents in the past month, reflecting the diverse, complex and volatile nature of the terrorist threat in the UK.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Following yesterday’s shocking incident in Liverpool, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the UK Threat Level to SEVERE.
“It is important that the public remains alert to the threat from terrorism but not alarmed. I urge anyone with information or who suspects any suspicious activity to report it to the police.”
Threat levels are determined independently of Ministers and are a tool for security practitioners, including the police, to use in determining what protective security response may be required.
The UK was last at SEVERE in November 2020 before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2021.
You can find out more about how the threat levels are set, what they mean and when they have changed, by visiting the Security Service webpage.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-terrorism-threat-level-raised-to-severe
Liverpool City Council – issued at 3pm on Monday 15 November
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson: “It has now been confirmed that yesterday’s incident at the Women’s Hospital was a terrorist attack.
“For all of us who know that Liverpool is a tolerant and inclusive city – this will be hard to come to terms with. Over the next few days, as we learn more about what happened, we must all support each other and unite, as we always do, when times are tough.
“Seeing an increased police presence on the streets and knowing the terrorist threat level has been raised can be unsettling, but remember: they are keeping us safe, so we need to support them however we can.
“This includes giving them the time and space to make progress in their investigations. If you think you know something to support the investigations you must share it directly with the police. That is the right and only thing to do.
“Speculating or sharing misinformation about what has happened, who is involved and the motive behind it on social media is not the right thing to do. It does not help and may event hinder the people who are working so hard to secure this terrible situation.
“I know that this has been a tough 24 hours for many people. For the people who have been evacuated from their homes, for the staff at the Women’s Hospital, for patients and family at the Women’s, and for David Perry and his family as well as other members of the wider taxi family in Liverpool. We thank you all for your patience and support.
“The next few days will not be comfortable for anyone who loves this city but we will get through this.”
Source: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/update-on-liverpool-womens-hospital-incident/
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region – issued Monday 15 November
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “Like everyone else across the Liverpool City Region I was horrified to learn of the explosion outside the Liverpool Women’s Hospital yesterday morning. This has now been declared a terrorist incident.
“Sadly, events like these are not as surprising as they once were. That does not make them any less shocking. Like those that have gone before, it would seem that this was an attempt to sow discord and division within our communities.
“But our area is much stronger than that. We are known for our solidarity and resilience. Our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths.
“We will never let those who seek to divide us win.
“Today, and for the next few days, I would urge us all to make an extra effort to be kinder to our friends and neighbours. Do not be afraid to offer them reassurance – or to ask for reassurance yourself. Our community spirit is far more powerful than any hatred.
“I would like to put on record my thanks to everybody who acted so quickly to intervene – from our emergency services who were on the scene in minutes, to Liverpool City Council, who have stepped in to support the people affected and the ordinary citizens who came forward to help.
“It is vital that the police and counter terrorism officers are allowed to get on with their investigation, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.
“Please allow them to get on with that work. I would ask everyone across our region to remain calm and vigilant.
“Avoid spreading rumours or misinformation. By doing so only sows further confusion and causes unnecessary worry. Please report anything suspicious to the police and follow their social media for updates.
“Together – we are much, much stronger.”
Liverpool Women’s Hospital – issued at 11.50am, Monday 15 November
We would like to provide some assurance about the actions we are taking as a Trust to keep our hospital safe along with Merseyside Police.
We have restricted visiting access to the hospital until further notice. Families of babies on the Neonatal Unit are asked to contact the unit to discuss access.
Patients are no longer being diverted to other hospitals and appointments will be going ahead as normal unless advised otherwise by the hospital. If there are any changes to your appointment you will be contacted.
Anyone with appointments at the hospital will notice an increased Security and Police presence on site. Where possible we ask that anyone attending the hospital avoids bringing their vehicle. Until further notice anyone attending with a vehicle will need to park either in our overspill car park on Mulgrave Street (off Upper Parliament Street) or in designated parking spaces in residential areas near to the hospital.
Birth partners are permitted to attend the hospital for all parts of the pregnancy journey including scan appointments. Partners attending Maternity Base MUST book their visit via 0151 708 9988 ext 4515.
Once patients and visitors are onsite you will not be permitted to leave the building and come back. You must stay for the duration of your appointment.
Vehicles currently onsite within the police cordon cannot be moved at present. Anyone who needs to arrange public transport or alternative methods of travel should do so. They will be reimbursed by the Trust if this is required.
All access into the hospital building is via the new Neonatal Unit entrance until further notice. Please expect some delays entering the hospital building when you arrive.
If you require urgent medical advice please call:
Emergency Room – 0151 702 4140
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) – 0151 702 4140
For appointments – 0151 702 4352
We would like to say thank you for the co-operation and support of our patients, visitors and staff who have been impacted by this incident. We would also like to say thank you to Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and all other emergency services who have supported the Trust.
For urgent patient queries only please contact our main switchboard number on 0151 708 9988.
Source: https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/news/ongoing-incident-at-liverpool-women-s-hospital/
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- City Watch officers facilitated residents living on Rutland Avenue to get back into their homes last night to collect belongings
- Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson visited staff at Liverpool Women’s Hospital yesterday evening to pass on the city’s thanks for their response to the events
- Declan Sammin – Prevent Engagement Officer in Safer and Stronger Communities spent yesterday engaging with faith communities, visiting 10 faith and community venues to provide reassurance and support. He also supported and attended a meeting last night the Universities with Islamic Societies, organised by the Chaplain, Zain Abdo.
- Joanna Fitzsimmons, Prevent Education Officer, linked with Phil Cooper, School Improvement Liverpool to circulate resources to schools on how to talk safely and appropriately to children about terrorist incidents.
- Two Lifestyles centres – Wavertree and Everton – opened their doors to anyone needing shelter on Sunday, they were later stood down as not required
- 8 families were accommodated in city hotels on Sunday evening
- Other residents were transported by council staff to the homes of family members
- Four residents were found accommodation in a nearby care home
- New Park Primary and St Michael’s Catholic Primary School will both reopen today having been closed yesterday
- The council’s Emergency Planning team continue to be part of the Gold command response.
COMING UP
- Community reassurance walkabout in Kensington from political and police leadership teams (this morning)
- Faith leaders come together to appeal for calm and tolerance (this afternoon)
FURTHER INFORMATION
Merseyside Police
Website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/
Twitter: @Merseypolice
Liverpool City Council: Website: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/
Twitter: @lpoolcouncil
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lpoolcouncil
Instagram: @lpoolcitycouncil