First 72-hour dispersal zone begins in Liverpool

Merseyside's first 72-hour dispersal zone has been introduced in part of Liverpool following reports of anti-social behaviour.

Merseyside Police said young people had been letting off fireworks, starting fires and intimidating residents in the Garston area of south Liverpool during the past week.

The order came into force at 12:00 GMT and will remain in place until 12:00 on Saturday, with extra officers deployed to the area.

Police can order people suspected of causing - or being likely to cause - crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave a designated area for up to 48 hours. Those who fail to comply face being arrested.

The zone includes an area around Garston Park and Speke Road.

Police said the government had announced measures earlier this week which would allow forces to extend the maximum duration of dispersal orders from 48 to 72 hours.

Officers can also seize items, including vehicles, used in anti-social behaviour.

Insp Richard Smith said: "We continue to see anti-social behaviour in this area of Garston and more officers will now be on patrol over the next three days."

He said the extended order would both provide reassurance to residents and allow officers to tackle anti-social behaviour for longer.

Smith also urged parents to warn their children about the dangers posed by fireworks and "to know where their child is this weekend".

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