A DISPERSAL zone is in place in Birkenhead town centre as police crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The 48-order, which also covers Birkenhead Park, came into effect at midday, ending at midday on Sunday.

The order comes under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & 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 members of the public to leave a designated area for up to 48 hours".

Community policing sergeant Alan McKeon said: “A dispersal zone has been put in place for a second weekend in row, in response to recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the Birkenhead area.

"Last weekend the order was a great success, and resulted in 19 dispersal notices being issued, which are now being followed up with the assistance of partners at Wirral Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Team.

"We will continue to proactively target those involved in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity and will have extra patrols in the area shown on the map throughout the weekend.

"I want to reassure the local community that we are solely targeting individuals involved in anti-social behaviour, and law abiding members of the public do not need to worry.

"Together with partners, we are committed to ensuring Wirral remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

"I would like to encourage people to continue to report incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminality to us, so we can continue to take action."

Anyone who wishes to report anti-social or criminal behaviour can contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. call 999 in an emergency.

You can also follow @WirralPolice on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.