Further Section 60 order in Southport

We can confirm that a further Section 60 Order has been introduced in Southport this evening (Thursday 1 August) giving officers additional powers to search suspects.

The Section 60 Order was introduced at 6pm today, Thursday 1 August, until 6pm tomorrow (Friday 2 August) and 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 has been 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.

Community Inspector Doug Chadwick said: “Section 60 orders are an effective tool in our efforts to protect the public from the violence and destruction the town saw on Tuesday, allowing us to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality.

“People living in Southport will now be used to seeing a highly visible police presence on their streets. I hope that presence is reassuring, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.

"The support of the community in Southport continues to be a huge source of comfort and strength for everyone - our officers included. 

“We will continue to do keep people safe and ask that anyone with information about criminality and disorder help us in that effort by getting in touch.”

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