A 26-year-old man has been arrested at the protests on County Road. Merseyside Police confirmed that he was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace at around 12.10pm today (Saturday, June 13).
Protest Details
Two groups are gathered on Spellow Lane with a group of roughly 150 anti-immigration protesters chanting and holding aloft Union Jacks. Meanwhile counter protesters are on the other side of the road.
Images show a man being led away by police officers, with police confirming he will be taken to a police station for questioning.
Police Powers
There has been a large police presence in the area since this morning and the force has been given extra powers during the protests. A dispersal zone is in place to 'help prevent potential criminality and disorder'. The dispersal zone is in effect from 9:00am on Saturday, June 13 until midnight on Sunday, June 14.
This order, alongside a Section 60 authority, has been implemented to support policing operations in relation to today’s planned procession and counter-protest in the County Road area. The Section 60 order has been introduced in Walton ahead of today's planned protests to help prevent possible criminality and disorder. Police say the order also includes a Section 60AA authorisation, meaning failure to remove a face covering when asked by an officer who believes it is being used to conceal identity could result in arrest. Any face covering can also be seized by police.
Areas Covered
The areas covered by the Section 60 order are: Queens Drive, Walton Lane, Everton Valley, Kirkdale Road, Stanley Road, Melrose Road, Brewster Street and Breeze Hill, inclusive of all roads, transport hubs, public spaces and premises contained therein.
Police Statement
Superintendent Phil Mullally said: 'I hope that the increased presence of our officers in Walton today is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to those officers. Our officers will be there to maintain public order, prevent and detect crime, protect life and property, and ensure the safety of all those attending and the wider public. Where individuals commit criminal offences, we will take appropriate and proportionate action.'
