THREE men from Wirral were among 20 arrested across Merseyside as part of a crackdown on domestic abuse.

Teams of local officers, led by Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, travelled across Wirral, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Knowsley as part of Operation Cassia, a police operation to arrest people we believe are responsible for both recent and historical cases of domestic abuse.

As a result, men and women suspected of offences including assaults, coercive behaviour and stalking, were detained.

Among them was a 39-year-old man from Poulton, arrested on suspicion of common assault, controlling/coercive behaviour in an intimate/family relationship, intentional strangulation, stalking involving fear of violence and threat of damage to property.

He has been conditionally bailed.

A 29-year-old man from Poulton was arrested on suspicion of Section 47 assault, controlling/coercive behaviour. He has been conditionally bailed and enquiries are continuing

A 19-year-old man from Liscard was arrested on suspicion of controlling/coercive behaviour. He has been conditionally bailed Others were arrested on a variety of charges including affray, possession of an offensive weapon, malicious communications, assault, actual bodily harm, harassment and criminal damage.

Domestic Violence Protection Notices and non-molestation orders were also issued to offenders, allowing for protective measures to be brought in for victims.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said: "Domestic abuse comes in many forms, it isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

"Targeting perpetrators of domestic abuse is a priority for Merseyside Police and these regular days of action are not in isolation but support the work that our officers carry out every day to apprehend offenders and support victim-survivors.

"I would encourage people to please have the courage to come forward and talk to us or the partners we work with if you are a victim of domestic abuse, or you believe a friend or family member is at risk so we can protect those at risk and bring perpetrators to justice."