Dispersal order introduced in South Liverpool to help combat potential disorder

A Section 34 Dispersal Order has been introduced in South Liverpool to help combat potential disorder following incidents in Southport and Liverpool in the past week.

The order was introduced at 7pm today (Tuesday, 6 August) and runs until 7pm on Thursday (8 August), and includes the area shown on the map.

It is outline by Upper Parliament Street, Grover Street, Mt Vernon Road, Edge Lane, Mill Lane, Lance Lane, Dudlow Lane, Queens Drive, Allerton Road, Smithdown Road, Greenbank Road, Mossley Hill Road, Elmswood Road, Mossley Hill Drive, Aigburth Drive, Park Road and St James Place

The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area to go about their daily business.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, for which they may ultimately be arrested.

Inspector Leigh Price said: “We have introduced this order to prevent potential disorder following similar incidents in Merseyside and other parts of the country this week.

“Patrols have been increased in the area to deal with any issues, and this dispersal zone gives officers on the ground extra powers to approach people they believe could be there to commit anti-social behaviour or disorder.

“This order is aimed at ensuring residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I ask that people continue reporting any concerns and we will take action. 

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour, or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.” 

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.