Gangs of youths with machetes terrorise Liverpool city centre as fights break out

Gangs of youths with machetes terrorise Liverpool city centre as fights break out Police in Liverpool city centre now have extra stop and search powers after gangs of youths armed with machetes became involved in fights and assaults Groups of youths armed with machetes have terrorised Liverpool city centre with police now granted emergency powers to keep the peace. A section 60 order came into force at 3pm today following a series of reported fights and assaults involving youths in the area. The special powers police no longer need "reasonable grounds" to stop and search anyone they reasonably suspect may be involved in violence, criminality or disorder in the affected area. The authorisation applies to males and females aged between 12 and 30 who officers believe may be involved in criminal activity, the Liverpool Echo reports. Chief Inspector Chris Ruane said: “This order is not designed to disrupt people going about their lawful business in the area. “It will instead be used to deter and disrupt those involved in criminality. We aim to ensure that people who live, work and visit the area can carry on with as little disruption as possible. “Officers have been deployed across the city centre following these incidents and I hope that the increased presence of our officers is reassuring to those who are within the city centre. “Some of these offences have included teenage offenders. We would appeal to parents and carers to know where your child is and what they are doing. "For young people, involvement in crime and anti-social behaviour can have life changing or life limiting consequences. "We want our young people to enjoy our vibrant city centre safely and with due consideration for others and would ask that all the community plays their part in this.” The area covered includes much of Liverpool city centre and is bounded by 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, Queens Dock and the waterfront back to Waterloo Road. Anyone with information about antisocial behaviour and criminality should contact Merseyside Police social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC.