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Merseyside Police said officers were mobilised to deal with huge crowds of revellers who had spilled out onto the city's streets after the 10pm pub curfew.

Shocking images show scenes of crowds circling police cars and hurling pints of beer at officers who had been called to disperse them.

Other videos circulated on social media showing large numbers of people dancing outside bars, with no social distancing taking place.

Crowds surrounded police cars after officers were called to disperse revellers outside pubs and clubs in Liverpool city centre last night (Tuesday, October 13)

A police spokesman said: “Officers were deployed to the area immediately and a large crowd was dispersed quickly and safely.

"All businesses in the area have now closed and the incident has been stood down.”

In footage of the incident apparently filmed from a nearby flat, a police car could be seen driving through a crowd while revellers banged their hands on the side of the vehicle and a pint of beer was hurled at it.

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This picture shows a police car surrounded in the city's Concert Square after revellers spilled out of pubs after the 10pm curfew last night (Tuesday, October 13)

From Wednesday, Liverpool and the neighbouring five boroughs which make up the city region will come under strict Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, which include the complete closure of bars, pubs which do not serve meals, gyms, betting shops and casinos.

Chief Superintendent Peter Costello said: “While we understand how the new rules which are due to be implemented on Wednesday are frustrating for some, we would continue to advise everyone to abide by them – including keeping social distancing – for the safety of everyone.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey told Times Radio she was “saddened” by the pictures.

She said: “I grew up in Liverpool. I know it is a great city. But frankly it is irresponsible behaviour.

Crowds of revellers gathered in Liverpool city centre last night ahead of today's Tier 3 lockdown

“We are trying to help the city… I’m sure the mayor may want to consider more (measures) while we are also providing financial support.”

Other parts of the city appeared quiet as bar staff pulled their final pints ahead of the 10pm curfew.

City centre councillor Nick Small wrote on Twitter: “Idiots putting themselves, their friends, families and everyone else at risk, destroying jobs and our hospitality sector while they do it.”

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Police disperse crowds of revellers in Liverpool on eve of city's Tier 3 lockdown