A city centre phone shop was targeted in attacks following major unrest in Liverpool this afternoon. Protests took place in Liverpool city centre and across the UK today.

Several demonstrations were planned, including one called “Save Our Kids” held near the Liver Building on Liverpool’s Pier Head. Clashes between police and protesters also broke out on The Strand during the afternoon. Merseyside Police described the incident as “serious disorder” and “despicable.” Parents and children were seen running down Water Street as violence broke out and bricks were thrown at police officers in riot gear.

After the hours of unrest, people were seen walking back towards the city centre. Several incidents were reported on Church Street and one shop was targeted. As the shutters closed at Fix Phone, near Primark in the busy pedestrianised area, thugs prevented the metal shutter from closing, ran inside and “stole phones”.

Ali Afgab, who has worked in the shop for two years, told the ECHO: “As we were about to close the shutter, they just grabbed it and ripped it open. They ran in, stole as much as they could and smashed everything in the shop. They got in and used the fire extinguisher to smash everything. They pulled up the shutter and then it all happened.”

The 25-year-old stood next to the store as hundreds of people walked by. Police officers with riot shields and helmets could be seen on the streets of the city center, while emergency vehicles were parked across the sidewalks.

He added: “They took the phones and broke everything inside. It will take a month to repair everything and restore the stock. I will be out of work. What am I going to do? There is nothing you can do. What they have done to this store is very bad.”