Vandals cause £20k of damage amid spate of incidents on 'worst Mischief Night so far'

Emergency services were called out to dozens of incidents last night over what's been called "mischief night".

The evening before Halloween has become notorious for a rise in pranks and minor vandalism.

Merseyside fire service said they have been extremely busy over the last 24 hours, attending:

Gangs of kids and teenagers are reportedly responsible for dozens of crimes across the region on Wednesday night.

£20,000 worth of damage is thought to have been caused at a site building flats for disabled people in Garston.

The construction site on King Street was set on fire and had its windows smashed by what's thought to be a gang of young people.

They also threw things at police who arrived on the scene.

In West Lancashire, a car was tipped over at Ormskirk Train Station.

The group are then believed to have boarded a train to Town Green in Aughton where more cars were damaged.

Police were given special dispersal powers as a result of the incidents and extra officers were sent to the area.

Multiple cars belonging to residents at a Kirkby tower block were trashed - leaving many with smashed windows.

Fire crews in Skelmersdale were forced to tackle a blaze at an underpass in Tanhouse before a car was also damaged.

Vandalism also caused disruption to some bus services in Birkenhead and Kirkby.

Merseyside Police confirmed eight people have been arrested for various offences including criminal damage, and public order officers will be viewing CCTV footage to identify individuals.

Superintendent Paddy Kelly, said:

• Anyone who would like to report incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage can contact police via @MerPolCC, 101 or @CrimestoppersUK.