POLICE have enacted stop and search powers in an area of Birkenhead following "incidents of violence" in the area.

Officers have introduced a Section 60 in Birkenhead today, Saturday, October 29.

This follows a series of attacks which have happened in the area.

An incident on Laird Street on Thursday evening saw a group of four men assault a man with weapons.

The order runs from noon today until 3am tomorrow (Sunday, October 30) and extra police officers will be in the area to provide a visible presence and deal with any incidents, the force says.

READ > Teenage boy hospitalised after gang attack

The Section 60 covers the area bounded in the map (below) and includes Laird Street to the junction of Fender Lane. Fender way to the junction of Upton Road and all roads within this area.

The Order, under S60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the area and is designed to minimise serious violence.

Wirral Globe: The area the Section 60 order coversThe area the Section 60 order covers (Image: Merseyside Police)

Community Policing Inspector Ian Logan-Sherratt said: “We’re introducing this Section 60 as an extra response to deal with reports of violence in Birkenhead. This is one of a number of measures we are taking to disrupt those who would assault or try to attack anyone in the area.

“Following an investigation launched by our officers regarding an incident on Laird Street on Thursday evening where reports were received that a group of four men assaulted a man with weapons this order will give us the powers needed to stop and search people in the area.

“There have been other serious violent crimes in the area including the most recent incident that happened on Thursday night. This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will be in the area to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community.

“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing young people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live.

“Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure our residents so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers.”

  • People can pass any information on anti-social behaviour via police's social media desk Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook with reference number 22000794386 . People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: crimestoppers-uk.org/give.../give-information. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.