Eight arrests with weapons, fireworks and drugs seized in Merseyside

Eight people were arrested last night, Monday 30 October, as police officers continue to provide a high-visibility presence on Merseyside in the lead up to Halloween tonight and Bonfire Night.

A 13-year-old boy from Fazakerley was arrested in Knowsley after he was stop searched and found to be in possession of a large kitchen knife.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of Section 39 assault and criminal damage in Maghull. He has been released under investigation.

Following a report of criminal damage on West Derby Road, officers arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of Section 47 assault and criminal damage. He has been released under investigation.

A 14-year-old boy was stop searched and found to be in possession of fireworks following reports that fireworks were being fired into a road in Belle Vale.

In two separate incidents a 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B drugs in Tuebrook, and a 41-year-old man was arrested for possession of a controlled drug on Queens Drive.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified on Sheil Road. He is still in police custody.

James Dean Anthony Hennessy,  40 years, of Northumberland Terrace in Everton, was arrested and charged with on suspicion of drink/drug driving on Queens Drive, Walton.

During the course of the evening police seized a number of items including fireworks and eggs. Officers carried out more than 150 stop searches, and dispersal zones were put in place across the region.

These dispersal zones will continue to be in place this evening to give police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents. Officers also have the power to seize items.

A number of buses were damaged from youths causing anti-social behaviour and criminality in West Derby, Maghull and Huyton. Officers are working with Merseytravel and local bus companies are looking at CCTV from the buses to identify those responsible. They are also appealing to anyone who any of these incidents to come forward.

Chief Inspector Duncan Swan said: “We have a highly visible policing presence across the region in the lead up to Bonfire Night on Sunday, 5 November, and my message to those intent on committing criminality, particularly criminality that could result in people being injured, is that we will be robust in our response. Just last night we carried out more than 150 stop searches following incidents of criminality and ASB, as a result we recovered weapons, illegal drugs and fireworks.

“Sadly we can say that last night we saw a 16 per cent increase in calls to emergency services compared to last year, and some of those incidents include items being thrown at buses. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated, the drivers and passengers on those buses, could be at risk of harm and it will have been really unsettling for them. As a result of those incidents some bus services have been withdrawn from service and this is having a huge impact on the wider community, particularly those who rely on public transport, and is not acceptable.

“We are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the areas to identify those responsible so that action can be taken.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents, and guardians, to know where your child is and what they are up to – just imagine if it was your loved one who was on the receiving end of the activity last night. Also do you want to face possibility that your child could be arrested and end up with a criminal record, which could prevent them from achieving their ambitions in the future.

“Please be assured that our officers will continue to provide a high visibility presence in the lead up to Bonfire Night. They will continue to conduct stop searches and large groups of people will be dispersed so that they behave responsibly and our communities are kept safe.”

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.

You can also contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.