A police dispersal zone has been introduced in New Brighton today after fights broke out between hundreds of youths in the area last night.
The order was put in place at 3pm on Wednesday and will run until 3pm on Friday (July 22). Officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents.
The dispersal zone covers an area that includes the Costal Drive, Sea Road, Links Way, Warren Drive, Victoria Road, Rowson Street, Seabank Road, Magazine Lane, Magazine Promenade, Tower Promenade, Marine Promenade, Perch Rock, Ian Fraser Walk and Kings Parade. 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 they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
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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, it would constitute an offence, and they may be arrested.
Community Policing Inspector Alan McKeon, said: “Last night our officers received several reports of antisocial behaviour in New Brighton after fights broke out between hundreds of youths gathered near the marine lake. We are keenly aware of the recent increase of anti-social behaviour in this area and the disruption it has caused to residents and businesses. Our officers will be targeting people we suspect of being involved in this type of behaviour in the area and take positive action.
“If you are out and about enjoying the weather near the Marine Lake and have any concerns this week, please speak to our officers out on patrol or contact us so we can keep you safe.The dispersal zone is not designed to prevent young people, or anyone else, from meeting in this area but gives us the powers we need to deal effectively with this type of behaviour.
“I would urge anyone in the area with any information about this type of anti-social behaviour to contact 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also follow @WirralPolice on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.”
If a crime is in progress, call 999. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via the police's social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
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