14 March 2023 , 08:15
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This is the moment a gang of teenagers stormed a McDonald's restaurant and reportedly assaulted staff members.
Police were called to the violent scenes inside the chain's Liverpool branch at around 5.30pm on Sunday.
Footage shows customers surrounding a group of boys wearing balaclavas, then looking on in shock as one of them launches forward and attacks an employee.
Onlookers can be heard shouting "no, no, no" before attempting to help the worker as he pushes the boy away from him.
In an additional clip, filmed on a mobile phone, a boy with a lollipop hanging out of his mouth can be seen holding a broom.
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Members of the public helped push the boy away from the worker (LiverpoolEcho WS)
Onlookers could be heard shouting "no, no, no" (LiverpoolEcho WS)He later backs away as a member of the public walks towards him while carrying a wet floor sign.
A woman can be heard saying "come on lads, behave", before the group eventually leaves the fast food restaurant.
Merseyside Police has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
No arrests appear to have been made.
A boy with a lollipop hanging out of his mouth was seen holding a broom (LiverpoolEcho WS)
A member of the public walks towards him while carrying a wet floor sign (LiverpoolEcho WS)A force spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: "It was reported that a group of teenage boys entered the restaurant and threatened and assaulted staff members inside.
"The group of boys then left the restaurant.
"If you have any information about this incident please contact @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with log 737 of Sunday 12 March."
Stonedale Retail Park, where the McDonald's branch is located, has been affected by a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent months.
A woman could be heard saying "come on lads behave" (LiverpoolEcho WS)
Merseyside Police has appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward (LiverpoolEcho WS)Such incidents include gangs of youths intimidating staff and diners, stealing driver delivery bikes and causing damage to bus stops and shop windows.
In an attempt to combat the issue, a dispersal zone was put in place at the end of February with police patrols stationed in the area.
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McDonald’s said it was dedicated to working with police, as well as ensuring its Stonedale Lane branch is a "welcoming and safe environment" for everyone.
A spokesperson said: "We take a zero tolerance approach to violence towards our employees and customers, and are committed to finding ways to work with the police and community leaders to ensure our Stonedale Lane restaurant is a welcoming and safe environment for all."