Police have pledged there will be a "24-hour police presence across Liverpool city centre" this weekend following a series of sickening homophobic and transphobic attacks.
With pubs and nightclubs no longer restricted by lockdown measures the city is expected to welcome a large number of visitors this weekend.
And today Merseyside Police said visitors can expect to see the number of officers "stepped up" and deployed across the city for 24 hours amid a recent series of homophobic and transphobic attacks in the city centre.
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Detectives said the measures would see officers stationed across the city including from Seel Street to the Pride Quarter and from the Baltic Market to Mathew Street stressing "nobody should face threats or violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity" in a city known throughout the world for its welcoming nature.
Last month hundreds marched through Liverpool in a show of defiance after a series of violent attacks on LGBTQ+ people in the city centre in recent weeks.
The suspected homophobic and transphobic hate crimes fuelled fear and anger in the region's LGBTQ+ community.
Horrific incidents included three young people being attacked and abused with transphobic slurs on May 16.
A young woman, her girlfriend and her sister were attacked and threatened with rape and murder in Liverpool's "gay quarter" later that month.
Another gay couple were attacked by knife-wielding thugs who shouted a homophobic slur on June 11.
Two 19-year-old friends, first year Liverpool Hope University students Curtis Stewart and Josh Ormrod, who are both bisexual, were beaten only days apart in the city centre.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed: "We’re expecting Liverpool City Centre to be busy this weekend and, due to a number of unacceptable incidents of violence and hate crime against LGBT+ people in recent weeks, police presence has been stepped up in areas where people are expected to visit bars and clubs.
"There will continue to be a 24-hour police presence across Liverpool City Centre and officers will be visible to provide reassurance and help ensure everyone has a safe night out.
"Our mobile police station will be out in various city centre locations to raise awareness of hate crime and how to report it as part of our focused operation to tackle the recent incidents of hate crime in the City Centre.
"Travel Safe officers will also be working with our partners such British Transport Police to help make sure that everyone has a safe journey to and from town."
Monday saw the government move to the final stages of easing Covid lockdown restrictions, meaning this is the first weekend nightclubs and other venues are allowed to re-open since the beginning of the pandemic.
Chief Inspector Matthew Moscrop, from the Liverpool Community Policing team, said: "While we do not want to spoil anyone's fun, we simply will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour under any circumstances.
“Liverpool is a friendly, welcoming city and nobody should face threats or violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Hate has no place on Merseyside and our officers are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy their night out free from violence and abuse.
"Remember that around half of all violent crimes committed are alcohol related and that if you drink at home, then go out, you are more likely to be involved in violence.
“We want people to ask themselves whether they want to have their night ended early because they are refused entry to a pub or bar having consumed too much alcohol too early. Drink sensibly and look out for your friends."
He added: "Many venues are likely to be busy this weekend, so you may need to plan ahead and think about where you’re going and how you’re getting home. If you are having a drink, leave the car at home and take a taxi or public transport – don’t risk your life and those of others by drink driving.
“Finally, but importantly, please remember that Covid still poses a risk to our communities with cases increasing in many areas of Merseyside. If you’re feeling unwell, stay at home and get tested rather than risk spreading the virus.
“Wherever you choose to enjoy our nightlife this weekend, remember to be respectful of others, stay safe and make your night out one to remember rather than one to forget.”
Police say you can report any crime by calling 101 or via its website: www.merseysidepolice.uk.
Reports that are not urgent can be made via @MerPolCC on Twitter or 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
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