A witness has described how police were called to a waterfront gathering after fireworks were set off in the middle of the day.
It is believed relatives had gathered at New Brighton waterfront on Saturday at around 3.40pm to pay respects to their nan who had died following a battle with cancer.
Merseyside Police confirmed they were called to Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton after reports a crowd had gathered and fireworks were being set off.
Police said they were concerned that fireworks were being set off on the beach close to children during the windy conditions.
Upon their arrival, officers reported the group were "observing social distancing" and had dispersed a short time later with no further cause for concern.
Photos and video posted on social media show the large police presence in the area at the time of the gathering.
Ben Duffy was walking along the prom at the time of the incident.
He told the ECHO : "I saw fireworks going off whilst I was walking down the prom then as I got to near where the gathering was, there was a huge swarm of police vans and cars rushing to the fortress car park like it was something really serious".
A woman claiming to be a relative of the person who had died, replied with a post explaining the reason behind the gathering.
She said her granddaughter's nan had "tragically lost her battle to cancer" and that she was an "amazing" woman but due to the pandemic "not everyone got to say their goodbyes".
She added: "This was the only way on a beach in an open space that family and friends could say their final goodbyes and show there respects, I know many people will have different views.
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"But everyone knows the pain of losing someone special. It wasn't a social gathering in a house, having a party, it was a lot of people hurting from losing someone very special and not being able to see her, so rest in paradise xxxx".
In another comment, she added: "They went to a beach in an open space to let balloons off as they can't be at the funeral.
"It's heart wrenching for so many people, this was a long fighting battle, alone at the end.
"So many family members just wanting to pay their respects - everyone stuck to the rules, which is why they paid their respects in an open space xx"
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that officers were in New Brighton on Saturday afternoon (20 February) following reports of a gathering and fireworks being set off.
"At around 3.40pm, we attended close to Fort Perch Rock reports of a concern due to fireworks reportedly being set off on the beach, close to children in the area, and in windy conditions.
"Officers checked a group who had gathered at the location and were observing social distancing.
"The group dispersed a short time later with no further issues identified."
