Extra powers for police to tackle post-exam trouble

Police have been granted additional powers in part of Merseyside to tackle antisocial behaviour following the GCSE exams season.

A dispersal order is in place in part of Maghull, Sefton, after previous reports of problems involving secondary school pupils.

It will be in place until 11:59 BST on Tuesday and includes the area from Westway, Eastway, Deyes Lane, Railway Line down to Poverty Lane, the M58 to the A59, Liverpool Road South and Green Lane.

The additional powers have been brought in under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014. They give officers the power to seize any items and direct people to leave the area. If they return within 48 hours they can be arrested.

"There have been previous reports of antisocial behaviour involving pupils from several secondary schools in Maghull during and after the exam period," said Insp Ken Sumner.

"Therefore we have issued a dispersal order to prevent any further incidents in the area.

"This is just one tool we use to help combat antisocial behaviour in the area.

"More officers will be in Maghull and if they suspect or witness anyone causing antisocial behaviour they will be dealt with through the powers of this order."

The force has also urged parents and guardians to know where their children and young people are and who they are with.

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