Four teenagers arrested after disorder in Litherland and Netherton
A Section 60 Order has also been introduced
Four teenagers have been arrested after a series of incidents involving groups of young people in Litherland and Netherton.
Police say a taxi driver was racially abused and had his vehicle damaged on Pendle Drive on Friday evening (2 October) just before 6pm.
Police also received reports of youths throwing stones at the shutters of Stanley Wines, on Dale Acre Drive in Netherton just after 7pm.
One suspect also went into the store and damaged an internal door, officers say.
At 7.25pm, a shopkeeper at Booze Xtra in Marian Square was assaulted after challenging a group over a theft.
The victim was left with cuts to his face and hand.
The shop was also damaged.
Four boys aged between 13 and 15 have been arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage.
Section 60 Order
A Section 60 order has also been introduced in the area until 1.30pm tomorrow (Sunday 4 October), giving officers extra powers to search people and vehicles suspected of being involved in crime or disorder.
The order also allows officers to arrest people who refuse to remove a face covering if they believe it's being used to hide their identity.
It covers the Pendle Estate and Marian Square area. It is bounded by Ormskirk Road, Park Lane, Bridle Road, Bailey Drive, Linacre Lane, Crosby Road South, Cambridge Road, Brook Vale, Perimeter of Rimrose Valley Country Park down to Lydiate Lane, Northern Perimeter Road to Switch Island.
The investigation
Police say enquiries, including CCTV and forensic work, are continuing.
Inspector Dave Shaw said: “The behaviour seen last night is completely unacceptable. We simply will not tolerate groups of youths making life miserable for people living and working in our community, trying to go about their daily lives and trying to earn a living.
“Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and I would like to reassure the public that we are determined to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice."