Spread zone expanded after violent riots in Knowsley

It should last until Friday (February 17) at 12:59 p.m.

The Order under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behavior & Policing Act 2014 gives police officers and traffic cops in support of the police the power to direct anyone who engages in anti-social behavior or is likely to become involved in such incidents.

Merseyside Police say those powers are not used on someone going about their day-to-day business.

The area covered is shown on the map below and includes:

All areas within, including and limited to, Moorgate Road North, grassland joining Alchemy Way, crossing the A580 East Lancashire Road, crossing grassland and joining Ainsworth Lane, Penrhyn Road, School Lane, joining and including Randles Farm Interchange (roundabout M57) crosses grassland to rejoin the A580 East Lancashire Road eastbound to the junction with Moorgate Road North.

Spread zone extended after Knowsley riots (Image: Merseyside Police)

Superintendent Karl Baldwin of Knowsley Local Police said: “Since the order was introduced on Saturday we have issued several dispersal notices to those who wish to congregate in this area without a valid reason.

“We will continue to use these powers to ensure that the scenes witnessed on Friday are not repeated.

“Additional patrols will be in the area to enforce this and speak to these members of the community.

“Friday’s incident has put people in the community and our officers at risk.

“We have made 15 arrests at this point and one man has been charged.

“A dedicated investigative team will review all available evidence to identify those involved in the disorder and bring them to justice.

“We put in place this proliferation zone to give officers the additional powers to approach anyone they suspect may be there to commit crime.

“There is no excuse for the violence that took place on Friday and we will arrest anyone who does not follow this advice.

“We know people are concerned, but much of that concern is based on misinformation and rumor. There is no excuse for resorting to violence.

“We know that those involved in Friday’s violent activities used rumors and allegations as an excuse to commit violence and intimidate the public.

“Everyone has the right to live their life in peace and without fear. We are listening to the concerns of our communities in Knowsley and will continue to do so this week.

“The suspicious incident in Kirkby last week, like all such allegations, is being investigated by detectives and we encourage anyone with information about suspected crime in your area to contact police directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“Posting and sharing unsubstantiated rumors on social media is not the right way to raise concerns with the police, it could jeopardize any investigation and put innocent people at risk.

“Always call 999 if there is a crime going on. You can share any information through our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Center’ on Facebook using their online form at:

“If you have any information, footage or images of the disruption, contact us now at reference 23000121093.”

If for any reason you do not wish to report a hate crime to the police, the independent charity Stop Hate UK operates a 24-hour confidential helpline for all hate crime victims on 0800 138 1625 or Here.