Man jailed for trying to set Merseyside Police van on fire during city centre disorder

Merseyside Police is continuing their investigations and arrests in regards to the disorder that has taken place over the Liverpool City Region this past week.

Merseyside Police have confirmed a man caught trying to set a police van alight in Liverpool city centre on Saturday (3 August) has been jailed today for 30 months.

Declan Geiran, 29, of Kelso Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to violent disorder and arson to a police vehicle.

The van had been parked on William Brown Street and the flames were quickly extinguished before significant damage or harm could be caused.

Geiran was detained near the scene shortly after the incident.

Lighters seized from Geiran. Credit: Merseyside Police

Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said:

“Police officers were deployed to Liverpool city centre after hundreds of people gathered at the Pier Head, and began to move across the city throwing rocks at and assaulting officers, damaging property and bringing fear to people of all ages visiting our city.

“Geiran not only engaged in this despicable behaviour, he was then seen trying to set fire to a police van.

“That van had to be taken off the road for repairs, leaving officers short of a vehicle that is a vital part of their ability to attend incidents and protect the public.”

ACC White added:

“In this case and others, officers have acted swiftly to detain an offender, the Crown Prosecution Service have rapidly approved charges and the courts have moved very quickly to secure a sentencing.

“Just four days after trying to burn a police van, Geiran has been driven in the back of a prison van to serve a 30 month term in jail.

“The message is clear: if you get involved in disorder, don’t count on ending the week at home with your family.”