Merseyside Police have issued the warning ahead of Liverpool FC's victory parade today
Liverpool fans celebrate winning the Premier League at The Sandon near Anfield stadium after their their match v Crystal Palace
People have been warned against the use of flares at today's Liverpool FC victory parade after 17 people were injured by the pyrotechnics during yesterday's celebrations.
Red smoke filled the city yesterday as eager Liverpool FC fans celebrated the final matchday of the Premier League season, when Liverpool FC were crowned champions at Anfield after playing Crystal Palace.
Today, as the victory parade is due to march from Allerton at 2.30pm, Merseyside Police said: "We are continuing to urge people to not use flares or drones during today’s LFC victory parade.
"Yesterday, Sunday 25 May, there was reports of 17 people, including one police officer, being injured as a result of flares ahead of the final LFC game at Anfield.
"A quantity of pyros were seized from Arkles Lane and a summons has been issued for the owner. We also seized four drones that were being flown over Anfield in breach of a temporary air restriction in place over the ground."
Thousands of people are expected to line the 10-mile route of today’s victory parade. A ban on flying drones above the area has also been put in place, with drone operators being warned they will be committing an offence if they ignore these rules.
The temporary restricted airspace over part of the LFC Victory Parade route, which will run from from 9am to 10pm today
Chief inspector Chris Barnes, who is the silver commander for the parade, said: “We want everyone who attends today’s victory parade to have a safe and enjoyable time. Nobody should have to suffer an injury as a result of the reckless actions of another individual.
“We know that people want to enjoy the party atmosphere in the city but it is important that we think of everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
“The parade will have its own professionally organised special effects, including confetti canons and fireworks, which will be adding to the fantastic atmosphere in a safe and controlled manner and my urge would be to people to leave it to the professionals.”
The temporary restricted airspace over part of the LFC Victory Parade route will run from from 9am to 10pm today, May 26. This restriction will cover the area of Leeds Street, New Quay, Georges Dock Gate, Goree, Strand Street, Wapping, Chalenor Street and Sefton Street.
Drone users flying inside the Restricted Airspace that have not been granted permission will be committing an offence and could be prosecuted as well as having their equipment seized and confiscated, police said.
Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website. Drone pilots are also encouraged to check other sources of information such as NOTAM Info and Drone Safety Map before flying.
Chief Inspector Barnes added: “Using a drone in a busy area where thousands of people have gathered clearly has the potential to be dangerous and we will take robust action against any who chooses to ignore the restricted airspace.”