Police have warned parents after anti-social behaviour flooded parts of Liverpool city centre
Merseyside Police is aware of issues with huge groups of youths gathering in Chavasse Park and Liverpool One
People have had their say after reports of huge gangs gathering and intimidating passers-by in Liverpool city centre. The ECHO published photos and videos sent to us of the vast groups of people that gather in Liverpool ONE and Chavasse Park, with one local resident claiming they have seen drug dealing take place, and others saying they have been spat at, kicked and verbally abused.
The reports comes as Merseyside Police put crime prevention orders in place for this weekend, saying issues over the previous two weekends had triggered stronger action. The force says it will not tolerate groups intimidating people living in and visiting the city.
One city centre resident who asked not to be named described what he has been seeing from his window in recent months. He said: “The problem has come on generally over the last month and a half or so and has been getting progressively worse.
“It starts with the forming of a big group of youths, normally around the top of the steps in Liverpool ONE. We have seen quite a lot of what looks like drug dealing taking place. The police will patrol, but when they go away, the big group builds up again.”
In a comment issued to the ECHO, Liverpool City Centre neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward pleaded with parents to ensure they know where their children are at all times, as well as acknowledging there being fights in the area too.
He said: “There have been recent incidents of groups of young people gathering in areas of Liverpool city centre including Chavasse Park. Many have stayed out of trouble socialising with their friends, but some have been involved in anti-social behaviour, threats and intimidation.
“We have also responded to reports of fighting between groups. This issue is a top priority for our team and we are working closely alongside businesses, the council and other partners to ensure that appropriate plans are in place, especially as the good weather continues and more people want to enjoy all that the city has to offer.”
Merseyside Police is aware of issues with huge groups of youths gathering in Chavasse Park and Liverpool One
He continued: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to ask parents and carers to make sure that 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.”
Reacting to the report published yesterday, Vicky Louise Bloor said: “It’s awful. Gangs of kids causing chaos? People getting kicked, spat at? It’s getting out of hand.”
“Also the abuse and threatening behaviour to staff members is disgusting,” wrote Catherine Noon.
Merseyside Police is aware of issues with huge groups of youths gathering in Chavasse Park and Liverpool One
Alison Parsons wrote: “What an absolute disgrace.”
A spokesperson for Liverpool ONE said: “We work very closely with Merseyside Police and any form of anti-social behaviour is something we take extremely seriously.
“We have extensive CCTV coverage, and our number one priority is to always ensure a safe environment and a destination visitors can enjoy. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will continue to gather evidence to assist the police in identifying suspects and bringing them to justice.”