Section 60 Order extended once more in Southport

We can confirm that a Section 60 Order in Southport has been extended until midnight tonight (Friday 2 August), giving officers additional powers to search suspects. 

Extra officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure communities.

The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced powers to stop and search individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.

It was introduced following the disorder witnessed in Southport on Tuesday night and to prevent any further incidents of disorder or criminality.

The area incorporates the entirety of Southport Town centre, including Sussex Road and St Luke’s Road and covers the villages of Ainsdale, Hillside and Birkdale.

Superintendent Dawn McNally said: "Our officers will be out tonight to ensure that there is a highly visible police presence to reassure local communities, following the violence and destruction we saw in Southport on Tuesday. 

"The Section 60 order allows us to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality.

"We would ask that anyone with any information about criminal activity or disorder get in contact with us to help us in our efforts to keep people safe. 

You can DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111."