Covid: 'Irresponsible' Sefton Park gathering dispersed

Police have dispersed large crowds who "irresponsibly" chose to ignore Covid-19 regulations and gather at a park.

Merseyside Police said officers were called to reports of large groups gathering at Sefton Park in Liverpool to celebrate St Patrick's Day earlier.

Officers have issued 43 fixed-penalty notices to people who refused to leave the area when instructed to do so.

One person was also arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Supt Mark Wiggins said: "Unfortunately there are people who believe the rules that the rest of us abide by are not meant for them.

"But we are here to protect our communities and will not tolerate when people choose to ignore the rules and put others at risk."

Supt Mark Wiggins said officers responded quickly to disperse the crowds

Police have issued a dispersal order in the area, which will be in force until 06:00 GMT on Thursday.

The dispersal zone includes Sefton Park, Princes Park, Greenbank Park, Toxteth Park Cemetery and the surrounding area.

The order gives police the power to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave the area and not return for up to 48 hours.

Officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour and those who ignore the order could be arrested.

Supt Wiggins added: "We have already dispersed groups of people who chose irresponsibly to ignore Covid regulations and the dispersal order introduced this evening helps us to prevent similar issues from recurring. "

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