A SECTION 60 Order has been extended in Liverpool to prevent incidents of disorder and criminality.

The order was put in place at 2pm today (Monday, August 5) and will stay active for a 12-hour period until 2am tomorrow (Tuesday, August 6).

The extension has been introduced to prevent incidents of "disorder and criminality" that have swept the country, including Liverpool, following the death of the three young girls in Southport last week. 

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

The area in Liverpool incorporates: 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.

City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward said: "Our officers will be out tonight to ensure that there is a highly visible police presence to reassure communities in the city centre, following the mindless disorder and violence we have witnessed taking place.

"The Section 60 order allows us to stop and search people suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality.

"This order will give officers on the ground the ability to stop and search anyone suspected of carrying weapons or planning any criminality.

"It is to prevent violence and disorder and keep the public safe, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to our officers."

Anyone with information about criminality and disorder is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111.

You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.