77 arrests made in Everton since firearms discharge

A total of 77 people have now been arrested in Everton since a firearms discharge last week, as officers continue with disruption work to prevent crime and serious violence in the area.

The increased patrols across Everton comes after two men sustained gunshot wounds to their legs on Wednesday 13 December.

Since then, officers have arrested 77 people and carried out 218 stop searches, seizing quantities of drugs, cash and dangerous weapons including a knife.

Increased patrols will continue in the Everton area as officers look to disrupt those involved in criminality and also provide reassurance to local residents.

On Monday 18 December, 23 people were arrested and 16 stop searches carried out. This included two 16-year-old males who were arrested on West Derby Road on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis). They have both been released under investigation.

Yesterday (Tuesday 19 December), an additional 12 people were arrested and 14 stop searches conducted by officers. This included an incident on Breck Road when officers stopped a motorist who was acting suspiciously and he was arrested at the scene. Joe Brown, 32, of Robson Street, in Everton, has now been charged with possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. He has been bailed to appear at the Guilty Anticipated Plea Court on Friday 12 January 2024.

Elsewhere on Tuesday 19 December, a vehicle was stopped on White Rock Street and a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug.

There was also a recent Section 60 Order in force in the area, which began on 3pm on Thursday 14 December and during this 48 hour period.

Officers carried out a day of action on Friday 15 December in Everton Park accompanied by partners from Liverpool City Council’s ASB team, Street Clean and City Watch. 

They also conducted land searches across Everton Park, where there was a mobile police station, while PCSOs completed letter drops and provided reassurance around the area.

Chief Inspector Tony Fairhurst said: “Since the start of this week and following on from the Section 60 Order, our officers have continued to disrupt those who are intent on causing misery in our communities.

“We have made more arrests in the Everton area and removed more drugs and dangerous weapons from our streets.

"These increased patrols will continue as officers look to disrupt those involved in criminality and also provide reassurance to local residents. 

“Merseyside Police will never rest and we will use everything in our power to reduce gun crime and those involved in serious organised crime.

“We rely on information from the community. If you don’t want to contact the police directly, then I would encourage you to use the totally independent and completely anonymous Crimestoppers service.”

You can pass any information by calling 101, via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook with reference number 23001269221.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.