Huge dispersal order issued after Formby Beach violence

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The order comes under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.

The Dispersal Zone is a response to reports of knife crime on the beach and in the surrounding area yesterday, Sunday 30 May.

Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, which they may ultimately be arrested for.

Inspector Graham Fisher said: “We introduce Dispersal Zones to help reduce anti-social or violent behaviour, and will be out on high visibility patrols out from this evening enforcing it. We will take action against anyone seen acting recklessly or inappropriately.

“We are well aware of the significant impacts of knife-related crime – which have led to three young men needing hospital treatment in the last 24 hours – and the worry this will cause for the vast majority of people in the area who are law-abiding members of the community looking to enjoy the beach and surrounding areas.

“The dispersal zone gives us the powers we need to deal effectively with people and I would urge anyone in the area with any information about anti-social behaviour or violent crime on the beach and dunes to contact us.”

Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.