A dispersal zone will be in effect in Liverpool city centre this weekend as police continue to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
The temporary sanction will be in operation from 6pm tomorrow night (November4 ) until 7am on Sunday, November 6.
Areas covered by the dispersal zone includes William Brown Street, Lime Street, St John’s Lane, Roe Street and Hood Street including Queens Square and Whitechapel.
Police have exercised the ruling under Section 34 of the 2014 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.
It means officers and community support traffic officers can direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave the area for up to 48 hours.
If a person has been directed to leave the area and returns during the period of the dispersal notice, an offence will have been committed and can lead to their arrest.
Geoff Stewart, Merseyside Police’s city centre inspector, said: “We have had reports from members of the public of large groups gathering and incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area covered by the Dispersal Zone.
“The introduction of this zone, and a high visibility police presence in the area, demonstrates that we are listening to and responding to their concerns.
“The zones are not about bothering people, young or old, who are going about their legitimate daily business.
“However, we will be targeting people who are intent on causing anti-social behaviour or criminal damage, especially if they are gathering in large groups, which can be intimidating to others.
“The zone gives officers the powers they need to deal effectively with people behaving anti-socially.
“I would urge anyone who is suffering from anti-social behaviour to contact us so that we can take action.”
People can call officers on the 101 number, 999 in an emergency or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.