Merseyside Police confirm night out anti-social behaviour across the region during "Mizzy Night"

Merseyside Police have confirmed that officers are investigating a number of incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour on Wednesday, 30 October.

Calls to the force about anti-social and criminal behaviour have decreased by just under three per cent compared to last year with a total of 1,704 reports.

Eight people have been arrested for various offences including criminal damage and public order officers will be viewing CCTV footage to identify individuals.

Superintendent Paddy Kelly said: “A small number of individuals in Garston, Walton, Fazakerley, New Ferry and Kirkby decided to use last night as an excuse to cause misery to local communities by committing criminal damage and intimidating other members of the public.

“In Garston a group of youths caused substantial damage on a building site where assisted living accommodation is being built for disabled members of the community. The building has been targeted a number of times previously before last night and the incidents are being thoroughly investigated.

“It is appalling to see a vital project, for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, being targeted in this way. To make matters worse when firefighters and police attended at the scene the youths concerned saw fit to throw bricks at the emergency responders. This is wholly unacceptable and I would appeal to anyone in the community who has any information about those involved to come forward.

“We also received complaints regarding car windows being smashed in Southdene, Kirkby; the McDonald’s in Walton being subjected to anti-social behaviour with youths throwing flour at workers in the drive-in; a group of youths involved in anti-social behaviour in New Ferry; and bus windows being smashed and bricks thrown at two police vans in the Longmoor Lane area of Fazakerley.

“It is shocking that anyone would find it acceptable to put our officers, staff and partners at risk and potentially deny a member of the public the emergency service they require.

“It’s not big and it’s not clever – it’s criminal and could have serious or fatal consequences and people need to think of the impact their actions can have on the wider community.

“A massive amount of effort and planning has gone into this operation, with other emergency services and local authorities, and I would like to reinforce our message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

“I would like to reassure the public that we will continue to have increased high-visibility patrols over the coming days. We will also continue working closely with partner agencies including Merseyside Fire and Rescue, North West Ambulance Service and Merseytravel and take swift action against the small minority who are intent on causing trouble in the community.

“I would also appeal to parents of young people to make sure you know where your children are and what they are up to. In the run up to Bonfire Night I would like to remind people that it is illegal for those under the age of 18 to buy, carry, or use fireworks and under the Explosives Act of 1875 it is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place. Let’s work together in the coming days so we can continue to keep those living, working and visiting Merseyside safe.”

Anyone who would like to report incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage can contact police via @MerPolCC, 101 or @CrimestoppersUK.