A dispersal zone has been introduced in parts of Liverpool following reports of large groups of young people fighting and throwing glass bottles at each other on Thursday evening. The order covers the Broadway and Longmoor Lane areas of Fazakerley, along with Norris Green, Walton Hall Park, New Hall and surrounding residential estates, retail centres, parks, public spaces, transport hubs and sections of the Loop Line.
Police respond to reports of violence
Merseyside Police received several reports of large groups of young people fighting in the Broadway and Longmoor Lane areas on Thursday, October 28, amid concerns over assaults, serious violence and anti-social behaviour. The dispersal zone came into force at 4pm on Thursday, October 29, and will remain in place until 4pm on Friday, October 30.
The measure has been introduced following a series of incidents involving violence, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area. Under Section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, police officers and Police Community Support and Traffic Officers can direct anyone suspected of causing, or being likely to cause, crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area.
Powers and consequences
Anyone given a dispersal direction can be required to stay away for up to 48 hours. Officers can also seize items, including vehicles, used in anti-social behaviour. Anyone who returns to the area after being directed to leave could commit an offence and may be arrested.
Liverpool Neighbourhood Inspector Kevin Cross said: “Yesterday we received several reports of large groups of young people gathering on Broadway and fighting with one another. A dispersal zone was introduced overnight in the area and another will be issued today to prevent any further offences.”
He added: “During the incident we received reports of assaults and anti-social behaviour from members of the public who were concerned for their own safety and others in the area. We will remove anyone who is involved in such disorder and take any necessary action to stop these incidents.”
Appeal to parents and public
Cross urged parents and guardians of children or young people living near Broadway or Longmoor Lane to find out where they are and who they are with, to ensure they do not become involved in similar situations. He also encouraged anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or has information about such incidents to contact or speak to officers.
Anyone wishing to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, through the force's website, or by calling 101. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website. In an emergency, always call 999.
