Dispersal zone brought in over 'threats and damage'

Police have been given extra powers to remove people from Birkenhead town centre after reports of large groups of youths "making threats and causing damage".

Merseyside Police said a dispersal zone will be active in the area for 48 hours to combat an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour.

The zone, brought in under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014, gives police the power to direct people to leave the area and arrest them if they return within 48 hours.

The dispersal zone will last until 16:00 BST on Thursday and includes Birkenhead Park and most of the town centre.

Insp Nicola Hughes said: "Unfortunately, this is the second dispersal zone we've had to introduce in Birkenhead town centre in recent weeks as we continue to see youth-related anti-social behaviour and criminality.

"We know that these orders are extremely effective because it allows us to protect law-abiding residents and shop workers who just want to go about their daily lives without being subjected to this type of behaviour from youths."

Insp Hughes said there would be increased patrols in the area.

"I would once again like to take this opportunity to appeal to parents and guardians, and urge them to know where their child is, what they are up to and friends they are with," she said.

"No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or been involved in a serious accident."

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