SHOPKEEPERS are being urged by police to avoid selling eggs, flour and shaving foam to children during 'Mischief Night' and Hallowe'en.

Officers warn pranks that see youths throwing the materials at cars, homes or people causes alarm for local communities, especially elderly neighbours or vulnerable people.

More police will be working on the streets across Merseyside over the next few nights and senior officers say troublemakers will be dealt with swiftly.

St Helens' Chief Superintendent Julie Cooke said: "I would like to remind people who are out ‘trick or treating’ that they should remember throwing eggs or flour at buildings, writing graffiti or any other acts of vandalism is regarded as criminal damage.

"Anyone caught committing these offences will be dealt with accordingly.

"I would like to stress that it is only a small minority of people who cause problems during this time but there are lots of organised events and activities going on across the region for people to enjoy.”

Anyone who would like to report incidents of anti-social behaviour is asked to call police on the 101 number.