The boy was arrested after a ‘fight broke out’
Aerial view of Liverpool city centre(Image: Getty Images)
A schoolboy was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon after a ‘fight broke out between a group of youths’ in the city centre.
Merseyside Police confirmed there had been a number of incidents involving anti-social behaviour in Liverpool city centre in the previous two weekends, with violence and crime being committed by large groups of youths. In a bid to prevent further crimes, a dispersal zone was put in place from 3pm yesterday (May 16) to just before 1am today (May 17). A section 60 order was put in place, allowing officers to use additional powers to search suspects which was also in place until 3am today.
Both orders have now been extended until 3am tomorrow (May 18). The dispersal zone covers the areas within, including and bounded by William Brown Street, London Road, Seymour Street, Russell Street, Clarence Street, Rodney Street, Upper Duke Street, Great George Street, Nelson Street, Bridgewater Street, Chaloner Street, Queens Wharf, Kings Parade, Mann Island, George Parade, St. Nicholas Place, Chapel Street, Tithebarn Street, Great Crosshall Street and Byrom Street.
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.
As a result of the orders, a 15-year-old boy from Kensington was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon after a fight broke out between a group of youths at the Pier Head. The male has been released on conditional bail, with conditions not to enter the city centre between 6pm and 7am.
A 17-year-old boy from Clubmoor was arrested in Chavasse Park on suspicion of racially abusing a security guard who tried to stop a fight between a group of youths. He has been given conditional bail, with conditions not to enter Chavasse Park.
Police confirmed an 18-year-old male from Wavertree, believed to have been involved in previous incidents of violence and wanted for a robbery in Liverpool city centre in July 2024, was arrested on Fleet Street on suspicion of possession of a controlled Class B drug and personal robbery. He is being interviewed by detectives.
A 24-year-old man, from Everton, believed to be linked to the previous incidents of violence, was arrested on Wood Street on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. A quantity of cash and a mobile phone were also seized. He is being interviewed by detectives.
In total, Merseyside Police issued 29 dispersal notices and carried out 120 stop searches in the city centre, with almost a quarter of them resulting in a positive outcome, including recovery of weapons and drugs.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Jack Woodward, said: “During the last 24 hours, we have had increased patrols in the city centre proactively targeting those involved in incidents of anti-social behaviour and violent behaviour, whilst at the same time providing reassurance to those who live, work and visit the city.
Crime Prevention Order map in Liverpool city centre
“Officers will be continue to provide a visible police presence in areas of the city centre including Chavasse Park. We regularly engage with Liverpool One and other businesses to provide reassurance, advice on crime prevention, and supporting them in reviewing CCTV to identify suspects and support prosecutions. The Citywatch CCTV network, run by Liverpool City Council, is also a vital resource. Liverpool city centre has comprehensive CCTV coverage, a deterrent to anyone intending to cause trouble.
“This remain a priority for our team and we continue to work closely with businesses, the council and other partners to ensure that robust plans are in place, especially as the good weather continues and more people want to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
“Again, I would like to remind parents, and carers, to make sure they know where their children are, and what they are doing. If they are spending hours away from home in the evenings and weekends, be aware of their movements, both for their own safety and the safety of others. The vast majority of young people are well-behaved, but the parents and carers of those who cause issues can expect a knock on the door from officers, and for further action to be taken.
“We’ve already seen a number of positive results and our proactive activity will continue now that the Section 34 and Section 60 Orders have been extended for another 24 hours.”
The ECHO published a special report this morning highlighting the issues of anti-social behaviour in the city centre following concerns from local residents about the behaviour of gangs of young people in Liverpool ONE and Chavasse Park, with Merseyside Police announcing a dispersal zone yesterday for the area.
Anyone with information about ASB and crime in Liverpool city centre or elsewhere is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 or online via: Give information anonymously | Crimestoppers.
You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.