Section 60 order introduced in Liverpool city centre

A Section 60 Order has been introduced in Liverpool city centre to help prevent possible criminality and disorder.

Merseyside Police had received notification that UKIP are to undertake a procession on Saturday 21 March in the city centre, and a large police presence will be in place to ensure the safety of all those taking part and the wider public.

The Section 60 Order began at 8am today and runs until 9pm. 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.

The area covered by the order is bordered by Princess Parade, William Jessop Way, Waterloo Road, Paisley Street, Great Howard Street, Leeds Street, Byrom Street, Hunter Street, Islington, Brunswick Road, Low Hill, Hall Lane, Towerlands Street, Irvine Street, Mount Vernon Road, Grove Street, Oxford Street East, Smithdown Lane, Crown Street, Upper Parliament Street, Parliament Street and Queens Dock.

Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton said: “This order is not designed to disrupt people going about their lawful business in the city centre. It will instead be used to help keep everyone safe and ensure that law-abiding citizens can carry on with as little disruption as possible

“We want people who live, visit or work in our city centre to be able to do so free from crime and anti-social behaviour. I ask that people continue reporting any concerns and we will take action. 

“I hope that the increased presence of our officers in the city centre is reassuring, and I would 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.” 

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

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