Concern is growing over an increasingly tense situation in Liverpool city centre, which has seen police forced to take repeated action.
On Friday, Merseyside Police announced it had given itself new powers to tackle gangs of youths who were intimidating people a causing damage to businesses in parts of the city centre and at the historic waterfront.
That dispersal zone was initially put in place from 2pm on Friday until the same time on Sunday - but with problems continuing across the weekend, the force put another crackdown in place across city centre areas yesterday, running through to this morning.
Announcing the follow up action yesterday, Chief Inspector Steve Hardy said: "We’re introducing this dispersal zone as an extra response to support members of the public and businesses, who have reported large numbers of gatherings of youths, causing disorder and intimidation to local businesses, residents and visitors.
"This behaviour will not be tolerated and extra officers will remain in the area to disperse any groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people enjoying the city this weekend."
City Centre councillor Nick Small welcomed the action by police and said he and his colleagues have received a large number of complaints about anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
He said: "There are lots of people living in the city centre and around the waterfront.
"Many have been in the touch about things like noise, people swimming in the docks and people damaging public realm with skateboarding.
"These issues are worse when the weather's been as nice as it has. We can understand why young people want to have fun, especially after lockdown, but we hope people will stay safe and be responsible."
He added: "We've had a lot of complaints from residents and welcome the introduction of a dispersal zone.
"Our message is come and enjoy the city centre and the Waterfront, but be responsible and follow guidance on COVID-19."
Commenters on the Liverpool Echo Facebook page said they had witnessed anti-social behaviour in the area.
One reader said she had witnessed people 'setting fire to bins,' 'surrounding cars and trying to intimidate drivers' as well as people 'throwing half bricks' at dog walkers.
