Six teenagers and two men have been arrested after police encountered a group fighting in the road with poles and bats in St Helens. Officers were responding to an unrelated incident along St Helens Linkway on Thursday evening (September 24) when they came across the group.
Police officers got out of their vehicle and intervened, securing those involved. Six teenagers aged between 15 and 19, all males from St Helens, were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of offensive weapons in a public place. Two further men, aged 18 and 22 and also from St Helens, were arrested on suspicion of affray. All eight remain in police custody for questioning.
Section 60 and dispersal orders introduced
Following the incident, police have introduced both a Section 60 stop and search order and a dispersal order in parts of St Helens. The Section 60 order came into effect today, Friday (September 25), and is currently in place until 2pm on Saturday (September 26), when it will be reviewed. The power gives officers enhanced stop and search powers in a designated area and is intended to help prevent serious violence.
The area covered by the stop and search order includes East Lancashire Road, Moss Bank Road, Carr Mill Road, Stanley Bank Way, Blackbrook Road, Fleet Lane, Broad Lane, Bold Lane, Travers Entry, Reginald Road, Mill Lane, Elton Head Road, Rainhill Road, Thatto Heath Road, Prescot Road, Westfield Street, Dentons Green Lane and Rainford Road.
Dispersal order details
A separate dispersal order is in place until 2pm on Sunday (September 27). It covers an area bordered by East Lancashire Road, Abbey Road, Hard Lane and Rainford. Under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, officers can direct anyone they suspect is causing, or likely to cause, crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave the designated area.
Those directed to leave can be prevented from returning for up to 48 hours. Police also have powers to seize items, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Anyone who has been directed to leave and subsequently returns to the area could commit an offence and may be arrested.
Extra patrols and police comment
Extra officers are now carrying out patrols in the affected areas. Local Policing Inspector Paul Varley said: “Such violence will not be tolerated, and as such we have arrested eight men in connection with last night’s incident.”
“Both orders have been put in place as an added measure to provide us with the powers needed to stop and search or disperse people in the area. Extra officers are patrolling the area to ensure those who are causing such issues are appropriately dealt with so they do not cause distress to residents in the community.”
“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live. Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure our residents so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers.”
To report a crime in your area you can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the force's website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
