Police crackdown to target teenage troublemakers

Police will have extra powers to deal with teenage troublemakers in Formby this weekend

Police will be able to force under-16s to go home if they find them in an area of Merseyside that has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.

Merseyside Police will use extra powers from 17:00 BST on Friday until the same time on Sunday in a bid to reduce problems around Duke Street Park in Formby.

The order will give officers the right to seize suspicious items, ban people from the area for 48 hours, and make young people return home. Those who do not comply risk being arrested.

The Section 35 order zone will cover Long Lane footpath, Church Road, Liverpool Road, Altcar Lane, Hoggs Hill Lane, the railway line, Kirklake Road, Woodlands Road, Wicks Lane and Freshfield Road.

Insp Graham Fisher said: "The dispersal zone is just one tool used to help combat anti-social behaviour in the area which has been causing damage to property in the locality and putting the community at risk of injury.

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

"We would urge parents/guardians to know where your children and young people are and who they're with, to ensure they don't become involved in situations which could cause disruption or distress."