Second Section 60 order in Huyton, Whiston and Prescot

A Section 60 Order has been introduced in Huyton, Prescot and Whiston for a second night to help prevent possible criminality and disorder.

The Section 60 Order began at 5pm today (Tuesday 2 June) and runs until 5am tomorrow. It gives officers additional powers to search people who are suspected of involvement in criminality and disorder.

It also includes a Section 60AA authorisation, meaning failure to remove a face covering when asked by an officer could result in arrest. Any face covering can also be seized by a police officer.

Yesterday’s order led to more than 70 people being stop searched in the area.

The area covered by the order is slightly different to the previous order and is bounded by Liverpool Road, the M57, Warrington Road, the M62, Fox’s Bank Lane, Blundells Lane and Stoney Lane

The order has been introduced following the shooting on Pottery Lane, Whiston on Sunday 24 May and subsequent incidents including those involving males on Sur-ron e-bikes.

Inspector Ray Mavrakakis said: “Section 60 Orders are powerful tool giving us extra powers to stop people we think could be engaged in criminality.

“It means we can disrupt those intent on causing misery and harm on our streets, search them for weapons and order them to remove face coverings.

“It certainly isn’t about disrupting people going about their lawful business in the area. On the contrary, it is there to make sure such people can live, work and visit Knowsley without fear of being exposed to crime.

“I hope that the increased presence of our officers is reassuring, and I continue to ask anyone with concerns to speak to those officers.

“If you witness any criminal behaviour, or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.” 

Anyone with information about criminality should contact Merseyside Police social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101.

Alternatively, 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.