POLICE are stepping up patrols in a park area in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour in the area.

A dispersal zone will be in place at Queens Park over this weekend. The measure is being taken in response to reports from the community of cases of anti-social behaviour.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "This is a dispersal zone, which will run from 6pm this evening (Friday, September 23) until 6pm on Sunday, September 25.

"The zone has been brought in under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers powers to direct people they suspect are causing or likely to cause crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to leave the area for up to 48 hours.

"If a person has been directed to leave the area and returns during the period of the dispersal notice, an offence will have been committed.

"Any breaches of this can lead to their arrest."

She added: "This follows reports from the community in this area and partner agencies of incidents of a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.

"The introduction of this zone, and a high visibility police presence in the area, demonstrates that the force is listening to and responding to any concerns.

"People can call officers on the 101 number or dial 999 if there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress."