Cllr Ian Maher Slams Reach PLC and Liverpool Echo for Sharing Disturbing Video of Southport Incident

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, has condemned the sharing of a harrowing video relating to an injured child.

He said: “It is sickening enough to learn this video is being shared on social media and via messaging apps but to see supposedly reputable media organisations making it available for wider viewing is reprehensible.

"My thoughts are first and foremost with the young boy who was injured in this shocking accident and his family, who are obviously distraught and upset enough.

"To now be further faced with this despicable and gross act of shameless publicity is frankly vile. 

"I want to put on record my condemnation of Reach PLC and the Liverpool Echo for taking the editorial decision to share this footage and I sincerely hope others will join me in jointly calling on them to remove this video from their platforms.

"Sefton Council was not made aware of the Liverpool Echo's decision to publish this footage and had we been, we would have strongly urged them to reconsider.

"I would like to thank the number of responsible and creditable media agencies who have taken the correct decision to not publish this footage. 

"Sefton Council continues to offer its full support to the family involved, as well as the business who are also affected by this deeply upsetting accident."