In a week that saw further progress made in the construction on Anfield’s main stand, it was for graver reasons that the stadium made news today.
Police were called to the ground at 3:05pm on Tuesday when two men went missing inside the stadium. According to Merseyside police, the stadium was evacuated as a “precautionary measure” and they had officers investigate the scene.
The men in question are believed to have been part of an organised stadium tour and went missing at approximately 1:30pm.
Fire Alarm at Anfield gone off
pic.twitter.com/8v6du7Aelg — Oliver (@fifakingmaster) October 27, 2015
An Anfield spokesperson responded to videos and tweets of the stadium alarm system going off with this statement:
There is an incident at Anfield stadium and as a precautionary measure the facility has been evacuated. The priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at the ground. The emergency services are aware of the situation.
It seems silly to mention being inconvenienced when security is the concern, but many of those present at Anfield today have travelled many miles for the opportunity to tour the historic ground; some to take in the match against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.
There is fear among this demographic that the evacuation has affected their plans and that they will return home with sirens and confusion as their Anfield memento.
Laura Neve Tacey of the Liverpool Echo spoke to a gentleman named Jurg, who ventured from Denmark with friends in the hopes of getting some early holiday shopping done at the official club shop. “It’s annoying, because we fly home early tomorrow morning so won’t be able to buy my nephew LFC Christmas gifts,” he said.
As bystanders and stadium workers stood outside in anticipation, the rain pelted down. Merseyside police and representatives of Anfield continued to release very brief updates stating that the search for one man was ongoing. Authorities reiterated that the ground would remain evacuated and in lock down until he was found.
Security staff still on gates at Anfield pic.twitter.com/RyOkv4XqlY
— Laura Neve Tacey (@lntaceyecho) October 27, 2015
The famous Shankly gates were locked as part of the operation and all vehicles were prohibited from entering or exiting the stadium parking lot while the search continued. Nearby roads were also shut down as a precaution.
The club has confirmed that the match on Wednesday against Bournemouth, which kicks off at 7:45pm, will not be rescheduled.
