Just an update for everyone, a few more details released to the press. We are receiving a lot of phone calls today and to be honest there is not a lot more that we will be able to tell you that isn't here. The latest is that we will be up and running again well before the end of the week as reported.
Liverpool Daily Post.co.uk - Attack on Merseyside Police helicopter sparks high-speed chase through Liverpool
A GANG tried to torch the Merseyside Police helicopter, sparking a 16-mile, high-speed chase through Liverpool.
The window of the £2.9m Eurocopter was smashed and petrol poured inside.
The pursuit which followed left one police officer injured, a patrol car in flames and the Birkenhead tunnel closed.
The attack at RAF Woodvale, in Formby, means the helicopter is grounded.
Air cover is being provided by another force while it is repaired, but officers hope it will be back in action by the end of the week.
The aircraft was attacked just before 10.30pm on Friday.
A Mitsubishi Shogun, believed to have been used by the gang, was later found burned out in Moore Lane, Altcar.
A silver Audi A4 with blacked-out windows was also seen travelling at high speed along the Formby bypass with a number of people on board.
The car was driven into the Birkenhead tunnel and abandoned.
At the same time, a black Audi S8 left the tunnel at speed heading toward Liverpool city centre. The car was followed by officers into Upper Parliament Street, in Toxteth.
The Audi crashed into a police vehicle in nearby Upper Hampton Street.
The police vehicle caught fire and an officer suffered slight injuries.
Three men, aged 24, 25 and 26, were arrested at the scene.
They were quizzed and released on police bail pending further inquiries.
The Birkenhead tunnel was closed while the abandoned Audi was removed.
It was re-opened at 2pm on Saturday.
Superintendent Jonathan Roy, of Merseyside Police, said: “Officers have launched a far-reaching investigation after the force helicopter was targeted.
The prompt response by police officers and aircrew, and recently enhanced security measures, prevented this from becoming a more serious incident.
In addition, outstanding action by all the officers involved resulted in the arrest of three men without injury to any member of the public.
We are determined to bring all offenders involved in this matter to justice and investigators will leave no stone unturned in so doing.
Members of the community we serve and members of the criminal fraternity should take note that highly effective air support was maintained throughout the operation, and the effective provision of air support to Merseyside is still in place and will be maintained.”
The other abandoned vehicles were recovered and are being forensically examined.
Police said it was too soon to say whether security at Woodvale would have to be stepped up.
A spokesman also denied reports shots were fired during the chase.
Anyone with information should call Merseyside Police on 0151-709 6010.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.