Section 34 Dispersal Zone introduced in Bootle from 4pm today

Merseyside Police are introducing a Section 34 Dispersal Zone in Bootle this afternoon following an increase in antisocial behaviour.

The order will be in place from 4pm this afternoon (Wednesday 4 February) and runs until 1am tomorrow (Thursday 5 February). It will cover the area shown on the map, bounded by Marsh Lane, Washington Parade, Merton Road and Litherland Road.

The order, under Section 34 the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, gives officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents away from the area.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for. It also gives officers the power to seize any item that could be used for anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Ken Sumner said: “This action forms a part of our wider response to recent reports of antisocial behaviour in the area, which have included members of the public being intimidated; eggs being thrown; and staff at local businesses being targeted.

“This dispersal zone will provide us with extra powers to remove people causing trouble, or likely to cause trouble. It is about supporting those in the area who have been affected in the past few days, not bothering those going about their business. We hope those people will welcome seeing more officers in the area tackling this behaviour, and speak to us with any concerns.

“I also want to ask parents and guardians to speak to children and young people and stress to them the dangers of engaging in anti-social behaviour, and have an idea where they are going in the evening, and who they are with.”

Anyone with information on ASB in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X and Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre

You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.

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