Used needles and weapons were among dangerous items found in Merseyside parks.
Police carried out searches across the St Helens borough in the past week- finding an array of unsettling items nestled away in the bushes of parks and fields. They recovered a number of weapons including metal poles, a hammer, a knife, screwdriver and a number of nitrous oxide canisters.
A local litter picking group also scoured areas around the town centre, finding hundreds of used needles. Merseyside Police have urged people to stay vigilant in the area.
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St Helens Borough Council and the police say they are aware of the anti social behaviour issues around the town centre and are working with substance misuse services to tackle the issue. A Merseyside Police inspector said it could have been 'catastrophic' if a young child had got their hands on the items.
Inspector Jon Smith said: “We have put a number of measures in place including dispersal zones and officers continue to provide a high visibility presence in the areas.
“Officers have recovered a number of weapons after searching land in St Helens and Haydock. This is following reports of disturbances and anti-social behaviour in public areas. On Saturday 2 April, officers arrested a 15-year-old male on suspicion of assault following disorder at Sherdley Park.
"A litter picking group in the area also reported finding a number of items."
Inspector Smith added: “We very much appreciate the work carried out by the litter picking group who have given up their free time to clear rubbish discarded in public spaces. The community group’s discovery of dangerous items which have been recklessly thrown away has prevented people from potentially getting injured.
“It would have been catastrophic if they had ended up in the hands of a curious young child and got hurt by the needles and the weapons. I would encourage anyone who finds such items to let us or the local authority know.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of this issue and are working with partners including Network Rail, who own the land where the litter was found, to have it removed as quickly and safely as possible. This is clearly a disturbing and potentially dangerous find of drug waste and we are looking at what further action can be taken to make this area safer for the public.
“Both ourselves and our partners including , Merseyside Police and the Safer St Helens Community Safety partners recognise that anti social behaviour, drug misuse and environmental crime are high priorities for action and we are working together with them to identify, challenge and where appropriate, educate or prosecute those responsible for action like this.
“In addition the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team is working alongside our Substance Misuse provider Change Grow Live (CGL), to address the issue of drug taking within the borough. They can arrange Outreach support and can facilitate the safe removal of any sharps/needles from areas like this. They can also provide information, advice and guidance to anyone who would like support with tackling their drug use. CGL can be contacted on 01744 410752 or email on sthelens.info@cgl.org.uk
