Six youths arrested and weapons seized as part of ongoing dispersal order in Birkenhead town centre

An ongoing dispersal zone in Birkenhead town centre has already had positive results after six youths were arrested last night and weapons taken off the streets.

The order was put in place at 4pm yesterday (Tuesday 12 May) and will remain active for a period of 48 hours until 4pm tomorrow (Thursday 14 May).

Last night at around 7.50pm, we received a report from several concerned members of the public about a group of youths dressed in all black clothing on Henthorne Street. One of the males, who was also wearing a balaclava, was reportedly carrying a bladed weapon.

Officers attended the scene and following enquiries were able to locate a group of males matching the description of the suspects inside a nearby property.

Six males aged between 11 and 13 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. All six youths remain in police custody.

A search of the address was also carried out and officers found six axes, two machetes, a claymore style sword and some smaller bladed weapons.

Elsewhere, ten dispersal notices were issued to individuals who had either engaged in anti-social behaviour or were likely to become involved in such incidents. They were therefore forced to leave the area. 

The dispersal zone covers the area bounded by the roads and includes private dwellings and buildings of Cleveland Street, Argyle Street, Argyle Street South, Elm Grove, Wilmer Road, Balls Road East, Balls Road, Slatey Road, Park Road South, Egerton Road, Forest Road, Park Road West, Park Road North and Duke Street.

The dispersal zone was introduced under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers the powers to direct people to leave the area if they are engaging in anti-social behaviour - or are likely to become involved in such incidents - and not return for up to 48 hours. Officers also have the power to seize items used for anti-social behaviour.

Should a person who has previously been directed to leave return to the area, then an offence would be committed and they may be arrested. 

Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency. 

Anyone with information on antisocial behaviour in their area is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101. 

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: Giving information | Crimestoppers . In an emergency always call 999.