Police in Fazakerley have been granted extra stop-and-search powers following two separate incidents involving weapons, including reports of men carrying machetes.
A Section 60 Order under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 came into effect at 7.30pm on November 15 and will remain in place until 7.30pm on Monday, November 16.
Weapon incidents reported
On Saturday, November 14, it was reported that a group of youths carrying weapons were chasing another group of youths in Fazakerley.
At around 5pm on November 15, three men riding an electric bike and carrying machetes were reportedly seen chasing other men on Longmoor Lane. Damage was also caused to a shop in the area during the incident.
There have been no reports of injuries. Officers attended the scene and an investigation is underway to identify anyone involved.
Section 60 powers and area covered
The Section 60 Order gives officers additional powers to stop and search individuals or vehicles in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.
The authorised location includes Longmoor Lane, Higher Lane inclusive of Adlam Road and Kincross Road, Higher Lane to Brookfield Drive, Lower Lane to East Lancs Road, East Lancs Road to Bridgehouse Lane and Copplehouse.
Inspector Aly Keogh said: "The Section 60 will give us the powers needed to stop and search people in the area, and our officers will be out tonight to ensure there is a highly visible police presence to reassure communities in Fazakerley."
Police response and appeal for information
Keogh added: "These are one of a number of measures we are taking to disrupt those who would assault or attack anyone in the area."
"Such action isn't about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing young 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."
"We take any incident involving weapons or machetes on our streets extremely seriously, and I would like to reassure the public that our officers are undertaking extensive enquiries to bring those responsible to justice."
Patrols have been stepped up, and anyone with information on any offences in the area is asked to speak with officers. Keogh said: "We are relentless in our pursuit of any offenders who carry dangerous weapons in our community and urge anyone who has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage of the incidents to come forward."
Anyone with information about criminality and disorder is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook' with reference number 26000936807. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
