Locals are scared to leave their homes as young children are setting fires, smashing homes and threatening residents
Residents of Garston say they are living in fear of gangs of teenagers and children
In a “lawless” area of Liverpool, locals are being intimidated and terrified to leave their homes as gangs of “feral” kids maraud around, targeting their homes and spreading fear and violence.
People living in an area of Garston have told the ECHO that their lives are being ruined by groups of youths – some as young as six – who are setting fires, smashing their way into homes and carrying knives. Families are desperate to leave the area and calling on police to step up and take action.
The problems are mounting in an area known locally as Garston-under-the-bridge, which is the part of Garston that lies between the railway bridge in Church Road and the River Mersey. The ECHO reported on rising issues of anti-social behaviour in this community earlier this year – but locals say things have got worse.
We have received shocking reports of residents having their doors and windows smashed, with some of the kids even trespassing inside while people are at home. There are reports of racist and homophobic abuse being aimed at people, while kids under the age of 10 are said to be wandering around with knives and starting fires.
Images shared with the ECHO show what are clearly young children stood around fires that have been started on public land in the local area.
“If you say anything, they threaten to fire bomb your house.”
Local councillors have joined with residents in calling for tougher and more visible action from the police, with fears that younger children are being “groomed” into a life of violence and disorder by older teenagers.
For its part, the force accepts there has been a rise in anti-social behaviour, but says it is taking a range of strong action to clamp down on it.
The residents we spoke to all wanted to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from the gangs that they say target anyone who speaks out. One woman told us: “If you say anything, they threaten to fire bomb your house.”
The woman has lived in Garston for a number of years, but said over the past two years, things have turned into ‘hell’.
She said: “These summer holidays were the worst of all.
“These gangs of kids are going around intimidating people, smashing people’s windows, starting fires, throwing things at people. It is absolutely horrible.
“I have seen them shouting racist and homophobic things at people. I have lost track of the number of times that they have set a water hydrant off in the area.
“They are literally feral. They don’t fear the police at all. When the police do come out, they climb all over the cars.
“They trespass into people’s homes. One of our neighbours was in the bath when these kids got into her house.”
She said one of the most worrying aspects is how little the young people care about what they are doing or any potential consequences.
Residents of Garston say they are living in fear of gangs of teenagers and children
She added: “They don’t care at all. We have seen them banging on people’s windows and then smiling down the ring doorbell cameras. They don’t fear getting caught because they know nothing will happen.
“Some of them are so young. One of them is six and is hanging round with older teenagers. It is like they are being groomed. I don’t know what their parents are thinking, maybe they are just made up that they are out of the house.”
Like everyone we spoke to, the woman said she wanted to see more from police in terms of visible patrols and strong action against offenders.
She said: “The police are meant to have stepped up patrols in the area but we don’t see them much. They come out when something has happened and for a few days after, then it goes back to normal.
“It is basically lawless. I have never seen anything like it. It is like something off the telly. Every time they get away with something, they step it up a level. We are all terrified of what is coming with Bonfire Night and Mizzy (Mischief) Night.”
She warned: “We know some of these kids are carrying knives, it feels like someone will get seriously hurt or killed before something is done about this. We are looking to move away now, I think many people are trying to do the same.”
If you have been affected by incidents raised in this story contact Liam Thorp at liam.thorp@reachplc.com
“I have never been terrified of children before.”
Another woman who has not lived in the area for long is already in the process of moving out because of the problems her family have faced.
She said: “We have had these kids trying to boot our door down and trying to smash our windows in. Some of these are kids younger than 10.
“I am so depressed and scared to even leave my house. We don’t ever want to go outside. They are wandering around the streets with knives, setting fires and yet we never see police patrolling here. We have sent loads of pictures and videos to police of what is going on.
She added: “I have never been terrified of children before, we are now moving out because we can’t take it anymore. We have not been able to enjoy any of our time in this house.”
Local councillors Sam Gorst and Lucy Williams, of the Liverpool Community Independents group, say they are trying to tackle the worrying rise in anti-social behaviour in this part of Garston – but also feel the police could be doing more.
“Tormented”
Cllr Gorst said: “”The situation in Garston hasn’t improved. Incidents remain persistent and, in some hotspots, have escalated. Residents continue to report intimidation, arson, late‑night disturbances, visible drug use/dealing and criminal damage.
“As councillors we feel unsupported by the police that are failing to enforce proportionate penalties on those continuously committing crime and/or causing anti-social behaviour. Repeat offenders aren’t facing proportionate, visible consequences. Low-level crime and anti-social behaviour are too often tolerated until they escalate.
“We would like to see more visible, focused policing, high‑visibility patrols and rapid responses in known hotspots. Persistent offenders should be subject to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and tenancy enforcement.”
“Some housing associations are taking far too long to act on sustained nuisance and criminality, leaving neighbours, often their own tenants, feeling tormented, unsafe or being intimidated for years.”
Responding to the situation in Garston, South Liverpool local policing Superintendent Charlotte Irlam said: “The causes of antisocial behaviour are complex, which is why we continue to adopt a partnership approach to tackling it.”
She said this approach has seen the police work with the city council, fire and rescue services, social landlords and services for young people. The force said local schools officers and neighbourhood teams regularly visit schools and talk about the dangers of drugs.
The police confirmed that last week a youth was arrested for a Section 4a Public Order/Harassment offence and has been released on bail. A second youth will be asked to attend an interview over the same incident and a Section 39 assault.
What the police say
Superintendent Irlam added: ““We have also been proactive in disruption tactics of offenders including issuing tickets, exploring warrant opportunities and we have also warned a number of youths in for Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
“Additionally, we have been working with partner agencies and councillors with regards to diversionary activities which include Strictly Boxing sessions.
The area known as Garston-under-the-Bridge is being ravaged by anti-social behaviour, according to locals
“The installation of CCTV through to assist with the detection and prevention of crime and ASB is being looked at and we have introduced the mini police into Banks Primary, which is situated on the estate, to help improve relationships with the police.”
The force pointed to its dedicated problem-solving team, who conduct joint walkabouts of the area, which they said has led to issues such as fly-tipping and inadequate lighting being addressed. This has also led to new initiatives in the area, including outreach workers providing activities for young people.
Superintendent Irlam added: “However, we rely on those affected to report their experiences. Every single ASB incident is reviewed by the Neighbourhood Team to ensure we have the most up-to-date community intelligence to tackle the problem, determine our patrol activity and initiate problem solving efforts, safeguard vulnerable people and bring criminals to justice.
“We understand that some people may not feel comfortable reporting directly to the police or other authorities. That’s why we have partnered with Crimestoppers to offer residents an easy and completely anonymous way to raise their concerns. Our officers and staff are all members of the community themselves, so we understand the impact that incidents of anti-social behaviour cause and are determined to hold those responsible accountable.”
Merseyside Police said statistics shows that crime fell by 6% in 2024 and 8% in 2023 in the Garston area but accepted that there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour. Superintendent Irlam added: “Our message is clear; ASB will not be tolerated.
“To combat this slight increase, the Under-the-Bridge area in Garston has been identified as an area that will receive additional dedicated high visibility foot patrols and targeted patrols in 2025 as part of the hotspot programme. This is in addition to the great work the local officers, and partners, are already doing.
“We know that in other areas of Merseyside, the hotspot programme has had a positive effect on reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and increasing the confidence of the community. The Neighbourhood Team are working hard to ensure that Garston experiences similar success.”
“Information is vital in our work, so please report any incidents or concerns to us, so we can focus on the right areas. I’d also remind people to always call 999 if a crime is in progress or 101, our non-emergency number. You can pass any information via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook. You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”