Day or night, you won't miss a story with the Liverpool Echo newsletter Sign me up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A dispersal zone covering the area around Birkenhead Park will be enforced this weekend following reports of an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Officers will be targeting large groups acting anti-socially or causing criminal damage and will be given powers to order anyone over the age of 10 to leave the zone – and can arrest them if they return within 48 hours.

The police crackdown will begin at 5pm tomorrow and run through until 5pm on Sunday March 8.

The dispersal zone will be enforced across the whole of Birkenhead Park and a number of surrounding roads, including Laird Street.

It will cover the area boundaries between Park Road North, Norman Street, Tollemache Road, Stanley Road, Beaufort Road, Corporation Road, Cavendish Street, Park Road South, Park Road East, Eastbourne Road, Westbourne Road, Grafton Street, Slatey Road, St Andrews Road and Park Road West.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Birkenhead Georgina Minnery said: “We have had a number of reports from the community in Birkenhead that anti-social behaviour has increased and the introduction of this zone demonstrates that we are listening to and responding to their concerns.

“The zone is not about bothering people, young or old, who are going about their legitimate daily business. We will be targeting people who are intent on causing anti-social behaviour or criminal damage, especially if they are gathering in large groups.

“The zone gives officers the extra powers they need to deal effectively with people behaving anti-socially and I would urge anyone in Birkenhead who is suffering from anti-social behaviour to contact us so that we can take action.”

Over the last few weeks Merseyside Police has introduced a series of dispersal zones as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, including areas of New Brighton, Bidston and Liscard, as well as Liverpool city centre.

People can call officers on the 101 number or dial 999 if there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress.