Special police powers have been extended in parts of Birkenhead this weekend following recent incidents of violence.
On Saturday, the ECHO reported that a Section 60 had been introduced in Birkenhead from 12pm on October 29 until 3am on October 30, giving police additional powers in the area. It came following increasing reports of violence in recent days.
On Thursday, a man was hospitalised after being attacked by a gang armed with bats. Witnesses reported seeing a man "covered head to toe in blood" being attacked at around 7.20pm on Laird Street, while the road was still busy.
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But the order has been extended and will run from 5pm on October 30 until 5am on October 31. Additional officers will be in the area to provide a "visible police presence and deal with any incidents".
The Section 60 covers Laird Street to the junction of Fender Lane, Fender way to the junction of Upton Road and all roads within. The order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals and is designed to minimise serious violence.
Community Policing Inspector Ian Logan-Sherratt said: "We’re introducing this Section 60 as an extra response to deal with reports of violence in Birkenhead. This is one of a number of measures we are taking to disrupt those who would assault or attack anyone in the area.
"Following an investigation launched by our officers regarding an incident on Laird Street on Thursday evening where reports were received that a group of four men assaulted a man with weapons this order will give us the powers needed to stop and search people in the area.
"There have been other serious violent crimes in the area including the most recent incident that happened on Thursday night. This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will be in the area to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community.
"Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing young people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live. Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure our residents so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers."
You can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook with reference number 22000797290. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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