Have a safe and happy Bank Holiday weekend

We are today, Friday 27^th August, joining our partners to wish all residents and visitors to Liverpool a fantastic and safe Bank Holiday weekend.

Traditionally the August bank holiday sees thousands of people descend on the city to take advantage of our fantastic tourist attractions as well as the many bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

And with the weather forecast to be warm and sunny this weekend combined with the lifting of Covid restrictions we know people will be wanting to get out and let their hair down.

But our message is simple – please stay safe.

Always look after yourself, your friends and your belongings and have respect for other people visiting the city and those who live and work here. Plan your journeys to and from the city in advance and please drink responsibly.

Liverpool community policing Superintendent Diane Pownall said: "We know that Liverpool is a fantastic place to visit and we want everyone to have a good time while they are here.

"We are proud that Liverpool remains one of the safest cities in the UK to enjoy a night out and is awarded Purple Flag status every year but that does not mean that we rest on our laurels.

"In addition to policing the streets our priority is to keeping people safe. Only last weekend my officers were flagged down by member of the public requesting assistance for a woman who appeared to have collapsed on Stanley Street in the city centre.

"The first officer at the scene found the woman unresponsive and not breathing and commenced CPR while the second officer requested a defibrillator. The woman responded quickly and they were able to put her in the recovery position until an ambulance arrived to check her over and make sure she was ok.

"Over this weekend visitors can expect to see a visible policing presence in the city centre and I would encourage people to engage with the officers, highlight any concerns they have or report any incidents.

"We will not tolerate any incidents of violence, antisocial behaviour or hate crimes and I would ask if anyone witnesses any of these that they speak to an officer on patrol or contact us directly.

"I would continue to encourage people to plan their journeys in advance, drink sensibly and keep a careful eye on personal belongings such as wallets, purses and mobile phones.

"Finally, but importantly, please remember that Covid still poses a risk to our communities. If you’re feeling unwell, stay at home and get tested rather than risk spreading the virus."

Chris Brown from Marketing Liverpool said: "We’re expecting this Bank Holiday weekend to be one of the busiest since COVID devastated our visitor economy.

"With major events like Creamfields, International Beatles Week and Liverpool playing Chelsea, Liverpool City Region is centre stage again for a huge number of visitors.

"Our recovery depends on events like this. It also depends on visitors enjoying our world-class experiences and hospitality safely and responsibly. And that’s what we’re encouraging everyone to do this weekend."

Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, said: "It’s great to see the city centre buzzing again, but I would ask that people pace their drinking and stay safe.

"The Covid-19 rate is 10 times higher than it was last summer and our hospitals and emergency services are already under pressure, so it is up to us all to make sure we don’t put added strain on blue light workers.

"I’d also ask people to take a Covid-19 test before heading out to crowded areas to make sure they aren’t unknowingly spreading the virus, and to self-isolate if they get a positive test."

Report any crime by calling 101 or via our website: www.merseysidepolice.uk. Don’t forget, reports that are not urgent can be made via @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.
 
Always call 999 in an emergency.