Dispersal order over gangs of 'intimidating' teens
BBCPolice have brought in a dispersal order in a city suburb, following reports of large groups of teenagers setting off fireworks, fighting and intimidating residents.
The order, in the Everton area of Liverpool, which was initially brought in at 15:00 BST on Monday has been extended until 17:00 on Friday.
Neighbourhood chief inspector, Andrew Fielding, said extra police powers brought in via the dispersal order had helped to bring the situation under control.
He said officers had used 27 dispersals by Wednesday night; a 13-year-old boy from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of firework offences, with one breach of the dispersal order.
He said dispersal orders were an "effective short-term" measure.
"Then, what that does, [is] it allows us to go into some longer-term options around problem solving, which involves our youth justice partners, the schools and the parents".
A mobile police station has been put in place for residents to report any incidents while the dispersal order is in place.
'Diminished resources'
Under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, police have powers to direct people they suspect are causing, or likely to cause, crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour towards members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
It also gives officers the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.
Labour councillor for Everton, Jane Corbett, said years of cuts to youth services were one of the reasons for the rise in anti-social behaviour, claiming the council was "trying to prop up youth services with diminished resources".
Corbett said Liverpool City Council had "got money coming in now, so that will make a difference".
"But we are still missing that whole network of youth work and youth provision across the area," she added.
Where is the dispersal zone?
The dispersal zone includes
- The boundary of Everton Valley
- Walton Breck Road
- Robson Street
- Breckfield Road North
- Breckfield Road South
- Boundary Lane
- West Derby Road
- Brunswick Street
- New Islington
- Hunter Street
- Byrom Street
- Scotland Road
- Kirkdale Road
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