Dispersal Order continues in Liverpool city centre this weekend

A Dispersal Order continues in Liverpool city centre this weekend following recent incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area.

The order runs from 6pm today, Friday 5 April, and will last for 48 hours until 5.59pm on Sunday 7 April. Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.

The dispersal zone covers the area shown on the map, as follows:

The River Mersey, St Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street, Byrom Street, William Brown Street, Lime Street, Renshaw Street, Berry Street, Great Georges Street, St James Place, Stanhope Street and Mariners Wharf.

The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, for which they may ultimately be arrested.

Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Jack Woodward said: “This is an ongoing police operation where we continue to increase our police presence in the city centre, particularly in areas where there has been issues reported.

“This order is to ensure everyone visiting or working in the city centre are not subjected to any such anti-social behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.

“There will be visible police presence to deal with any issues and this dispersal order is to give officers in the area extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes.

“We will be in the area to provide reassurance to those people who simply want to shop or visit the city centre without having to be confronted with this behaviour.

“I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please let us know or speak to our officers and we will take action.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.

You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.