Teenager arrested following anti-social behaviour and racially motivated incidents in Garston

A teenage boy has been arrested following increased reports of anti-social behaviour and racially motivated incidents in an area of Garston.

On Friday 30 January, it was reported that a group of youths set off a firework that smashed the window of a shop on St Mary’s Road.

It was further reported that one of the suspects racially abused a staff member and threatened him with a stick.

Following inquiries, a 13-year-old boy from Garston has been arrested on suspicion of the following offences:

• Racially/religiously aggravated common assault/beating
• Racially/religiously aggravated criminal damage
• Racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment/alarm distress through words/writing

He has been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries. His bail conditions stipulate that he can’t attend this specific area of Garston between 5pm and 7am and he also can’t contact any staff member of the affected business.

Local Policing Inspector Michelle Ingram said: “I understand how anti-social behaviour can negatively impact our communities, but I hope this arrest shows how seriously we take these reports.

“Staff who work in the area are just trying to do their jobs and should never be subjected to such disgusting abuse and fear for their safety. This will never be tolerated in Merseyside and we will take the strongest possible action against offenders.

“I would like to take this opportunity to ask parents and carers to be mindful of the whereabouts of their children, who they are hanging around with, and to check in with them about their plans.

“A talk with them today about appropriate behaviour when they’re out could make all the difference and could prevent them from being arrested.

“If you experience any anti-social behaviour or witness any criminality in your area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can investigate.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or DM @MerpolCC on social media. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously In an emergency always call 999.