Woman Wrongly Arrested During Southport Riots Describes Violation

Jacqueline Cowdall, a 53-year-old woman, was wrongfully arrested on suspicion of throwing bricks at police during the Southport riots. The incident occurred while she was shopping at Marks and Spencer, and she was alerted to the police presence at her home in Toxteth, Liverpool.

Cowdall was detained for over four hours before Merseyside Police acknowledged their mistake, which was partly based on a distinctive birthmark on her arm. The police had acted on a tip-off that incorrectly identified her as a rioter captured on CCTV.

Upon returning home, Cowdall discovered that her belongings had been searched, leaving her feeling violated. Her solicitor stated that the arrest was unnecessary since Cowdall had voluntarily gone to the police station. Merseyside Police defended their actions, citing the need to investigate serious disorder and the reliability of the information they received.