Police have been granted emergency powers in Liverpool City Centre after three men were knifed in a mass brawl.
People woke up to "screams and shouting" at around 5.30am today, December 27, after a "disturbance" involving a "large group of males" on Victoria Street which led to three men being stabbed. One victim, aged 21, was found in a critical condition at the junction of Church Street and Whitechapel, close to the McDonald's restaurant.
Merseyside Police has now announced a section 60 order has been put in place in Liverpool City Centre, giving officers enhanced stop and search powers in the area. The order runs from 3pm today until 3pm tomorrow, and covers Leeds Street, King Edward Street, New Quay, George’s Dock Gates, Strand Street, Liver Street, Argyle Street, Lydia Ann Street, Kent Street, Duke Street, Berry Street, Renshaw Street, Lime Street, St Georges Place, St Johns Lane and Byrom Street. Additional police officers will be present in the city centre during this time.
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Community Policing Inspector David Grant said: “We’re introducing this Section 60 as an extra response to provide us with the powers needed to stop and search people in the area after two men were injured and another man was left in a critical condition following a large-scale disturbance in Liverpool city centre this morning.
“At around 5.30am patrols located a 21-year-old man at the junction of Church Street and Whitechapel with stab wounds to the chest. A further two males later self-presented at hospital with injuries. Following an investigation regarding the incident a number of measures are being taken to disrupt those who would hurt or attack anyone in our community.
“Such violence and the use of any weapons in our city is reckless will not be tolerated. Extra officers will be in the area to search any individuals or groups causing such issues, and to provide reassurance to the vast majority of law-abiding people in the community.
“Such action isn’t about bothering anyone going about their daily business or preventing young people from meeting with friends. It’s simply about taking action to reduce violence and make sure that everyone can feel safe where they live.
“Patrols have also been stepped up to reassure any visitors, residents or shoppers in our city so if you have any information on any offences in the area please speak with our officers.”
People can pass any information on anti-social behaviour to police @MerPolCC on Twitter, or the 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook with reference number 23001323831. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form.
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