Section 60 powers introduced across south Sefton following Bootle firearms incident

Merseyside Police has introduced a Section 60 Order across a large area of south Sefton following a firearms discharge in Bootle yesterday, Monday 7 September.

The order came into force at 3pm today, Tuesday 8 September, and will remain in place until 3pm tomorrow, Wednesday 9 September.

A Section 60 Order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives police additional powers to stop and search people within a designated area as part of efforts to prevent serious violence and tackle criminality and disorder.

Police say the authorisation includes males of any ethnicity aged between 18 and 40 where officers believe they may be involved in criminal activity.

The designated area covers locations within the boundaries of:

• The canal through Rimrose Valley Park

• Sefton Moss Lane

• Boundary Road

• Netherton Way

• Bailey Drive

• Southport Road

• Brewster Street

• Melrose Road

• Commercial Road

• Sandhills Lane

• Derby Road

• Rimrose Road

• Crosby Road South

• Princess Way

• Church Road

A Section 60AA authorisation is also in place. This means that if an officer believes someone is wearing a face covering to conceal their identity, they can require them to remove it. Failure to comply could result in arrest, and officers also have powers to seize face coverings.

The additional police powers have been introduced following an incident on Stanley Road in Bootle at around 5pm yesterday.

Police received reports that two males, each riding an e-bike, had been involved in a confrontation with three other males.

Two of the males reportedly ran into a newsagent while a third ran down the road. Police say one of the e-bike riders then fired a gun towards them, causing damage to the shop window.

There are currently no reports of anyone being injured.

Detective Inspector Chris Clark said:

“An investigation continues at pace into this appalling incident and we are determined to find the people involved.

“To open fire towards a shop, which had people inside at the time, is beyond comprehension and just shows that criminals who are prepared to carry these weapons simply don’t care about the safety of others.

“If you were in the area at around the time of the incident and saw what happened or witnessed two males on two e-bikes then please come forward.

“I’m also specifically appealing for a potential witness to come forward. There was a man inside the newsagents at the time of the incident who could have vital information to assist our inquiries. If this is you, please come forward as a matter of urgency.

“We are determined to find those responsible and we will act on any information provided.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via its Contact Centre, report information through the police website or call 101.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always call 999.