Residents of Newsham Park in Tuebrook have described scenes of chaos after Merseyside Police descended on the area last night. Armed officers were called to the park around 7:05 PM on Wednesday, June 17, following reports that a 16-year-old boy was being chased by a gang wielding a weapon.
People living nearby witnessed the incident, police confirmed. Speaking to the ECHO today, residents on Newsham Drive—a quiet street home to many families—recalled the frightening moments as police vehicles raced around the park and a police helicopter hovered overhead.
One resident said, 'We heard the helicopter first while in our back garden. When I looked out front, I saw all the police. I didn't actually see what happened, but we read on Facebook that someone had been chased in the park.' Another added, 'I saw the mayhem. I hope they catch whoever did it. It's scary.'
A woman who has lived on Newsham Drive for 25 years said the area has 'gone downhill.' She witnessed the police activity last night and feared the worst. 'They all raced around this end of the park, then flew back towards the other end of the lake. I thought whatever happened must have happened up there. It looked bad, but I kept away—it's too scary,' she said.
'The helicopter was out for a while, then it quietened down. It's gone downhill around here now. We've been here 25 years. It used to be such a lovely area; all the neighbours looked after each other. We've tried to keep it nice, but it's gone downhill. It's scary—we're moving. We've had enough.'
Merseyside Police later located the 16-year-old boy, who was uninjured but shaken after reportedly being chased in the area. Officers searched for suspects but found no one. CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Jemma Berry said, 'We know that people living locally witnessed some or all of this incident, which has been understandably alarming. Although nobody was injured, we are keen to speak to anyone who was in and around Newsham Park and saw this incident. Likewise, if you live locally, please check your CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell devices as we establish exactly what happened. We will assess all information and take appropriate action, so tell us what you know, and we will do all we can to find those involved.'
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, or report online at the police website, or call 101 quoting incident reference 26000483414. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
