A 13-year-old boy is among four teenagers arrested after a machete and a knife were found dumped in Liverpool city centre. Merseyside Police received a report at around 8.20pm on Wednesday, July 22, that a group of youths had been fighting in Chavasse Park.
Arrests and recovery
Officers detained four teenagers a short time later on Elliot Street. A search of the area uncovered a knife and a machete, believed to have been discarded by youths aged around 16. The four teenagers, all from Liverpool, were arrested on suspicion of affray. Two are aged 16, one is 14, and one is 13. They have been conditionally bailed while enquiries continue.
Section 60 orders
Following the incident, a Section 60 Order was introduced to enhance stop and search powers across Liverpool city centre to prevent further disorder. During the first order, in place on Thursday and Friday, July 23 and 24, officers stop-checked 50 people. A separate third Section 60 Order on Saturday night led to 34 searches, bringing the total to 84. The operation resulted in eight arrests on suspicion of offences including possession of a bladed article, breach of bail, and being drunk and disorderly. One person received a caution, and another was postally charged.
Section 60 powers, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, allow officers to stop and search people without reasonable grounds in a designated area where serious violence is anticipated or weapons are involved.
Inspector's comment
Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward said: “The enhanced stop search powers we introduced enabled us to stop males we suspected may have been involved in criminality similar to that seen on Wednesday night. We simply will not tolerate anyone bringing weapons on to our streets and engaging in violence, not least in the city centre where people of all ages live, work and visit in huge numbers every single day.
“Section 60 Orders are one tool at our disposal allowing us to disrupt those intent on bringing such harm to our streets, alongside the high visibility patrols, warrants and searches we carry out all year round. The message should be clear – if you seek to bring fear and violence to our communities, we will not hesitate to target our resources so that you are brought to justice and the public are protected from the harm you bring. The possession of knives can and does cause devastation in our communities so despite these arrests, we will be relentlessly pursuing all of those we suspect of having an involvement.
“If you were in the area and saw the incident or anyone running off, or suspect a young person you know of having been involved, please come forward with information. Meanwhile, we will continue working with partners and in schools to educate young people on the dangers of carrying a knife and the life changing or life limiting impact such behaviour can have.”
Insp Woodward added: “During the long days of the school summer holidays, I would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of knowing where your child is and what they are up to. Most young people behave responsibly and Section 60 orders are not about disrupting them as they go about their day. But sadly a minority of youths have engaged in completely unacceptable behaviour and the action we have taken should enable other young people to enjoy our vibrant city centre safely and with due consideration for others.
“No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or even been involved in a serious accident, and we call on everyone in our community to do their bit to keep others safe.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media @MerPolCC, the force website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.
