Formby beach: Five arrested as police break up lockdown party

The dispersal zone lasts until Friday afternoon

Five people were arrested and a sound system seized when police broke up a beach lockdown party in Merseyside.

Police imposed a dispersal zone after being called to stop groups gathering on Formby beach and sand dunes at about 13:00 BST on Wednesday.

Five people were held for offences including drunk and disorderly behaviour and possession of drugs.

Officers confiscated a speaker and music equipment. The dispersal order lasts until 14:30 BST on Friday.

The dispersal zone gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to bar people they suspect are causing a crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour away from an area for 48 hours.

Officers will be patrolling on foot, in cars and on quad bikes around areas near Formby, Ainsdale and Crosby beaches and beauty spots including Formby nature reserve, said Merseyside Police.

Ch Insp Andy Rankine said: "We appreciate the fact that people want to go out and take advantage of the weather, but it is so important that you do so safely."

He added: "Merseyside Police will take action where necessary, as seen yesterday when five people were arrested after a group decided to congregate and engage in anti-social behaviour to the detriment of other trying to enjoy the good weather and beaches.

"The virus has by no means gone, so please continue to abide by government guidance to ensure the safety of yourselves and others."

The area has seen a high number of visitors and the beach was left an" absolute disgrace" due to littering at the beginning of June.

Police broke up large groups on Formby beach