Merseyside Police and Partners Prepare for Halloween 2026

Key Points

• The Court of Appeal has raised the minimum prison sentences of Klevi Pirjani and Nivalda Santos Pirjani, who murdered their 13-week-old son, Miguel Pirjani.
• Klevi Pirjani’s minimum sentence has been increased from 19 years to 21 years and six months; Nivalda Santos Pirjani’s minimum sentence has been raised from 15 years and three months to 17 years and nine months.
• Both sentences have been raised by two and a half years following the referral of the sentences under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme made by Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP.
• The court heard Miguel sustained 41 fractures, including damage to his ribs, legs, arm, collarbone and spine, during the assaults in multiple sessions.
• Miguel was killed at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on 29 November 2024, five days after paramedics were sent to the couple’s home in Seacombe, Wallasey.
• Lord Justice Jeremy Baker, sitting with Mr Justice Goose and Mr Justice Hilliard, concluded that the original sentences greatly underestimated the aggravating factors and therefore were unduly lenient.
• The parents were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 March 2026 for the crimes of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Liverpool Police (Liverpool standard) October 27, 2026 — Liverpool City Council is working with Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to encourage residents to help keep communities safe during Halloween and the Bonfire season.

As reported by Liverpool City Council’s Liverpool Express, the organisations are coordinating their activity ahead of a period when Halloween and Bonfire Night coincide with the school half-term break. The agencies say the combined approach is intended to reduce antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and the misuse of fireworks across Merseyside.

Merseyside Police has confirmed that additional resources will be deployed in areas where antisocial behaviour has previously caused concern. Officers will carry out high-visibility patrols and may use dispersal powers where necessary to deal with reports of antisocial behaviour and criminality.

The policing operation is being led by Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton, the force lead for the operation. As reported by The Guide Liverpool, he said:

“We want to reassure our communities that we have an extensive policing plan in place for Halloween and Bonfire Night and will be working closely with a number of partner organisations to keep people safe.”

He added that officers would take action where antisocial behaviour, criminal damage or the misuse of fireworks caused harm or distress to local communities.

What Is the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership?

The response is supported through the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership, which was launched earlier in 2026 by Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

According to the information published by Merseyside Police and reported by The Guide Liverpool, the partnership brings together more than 20 organisations, including local authorities, housing associations and charities. Its purpose is to address antisocial behaviour through a coordinated, multi-agency approach rather than relying on enforcement alone.

As part of the Halloween and Bonfire operation, officers will work alongside TravelSafe teams to identify offenders on the public transport network. They will also work with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and local authorities to remove unsafe bonfires.

Trading Standards officers will target the illegal sale of fireworks. The involvement of the fire service, council teams and Trading Standards is intended to address both the immediate risks posed by fires and the supply of fireworks outside legal channels.

What Has Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Said?

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents to take precautions to reduce deliberate fires during the Halloween and Bonfire period.

MFRS Group Manager for Community Safety Craig Whitfield said, as reported by Merseyside Police and The Guide Liverpool:

“We want everyone in Merseyside to stay safe during the Halloween and Bonfire period.

“Deliberate fires can spread quickly, putting lives, property and communities at risk, and they take our firefighters away from responding to other potentially life-threatening emergencies.”

He said the service could not be in two places at once, meaning that reducing secondary fires helps crews remain available for other emergencies. MFRS has asked residents to report any build-up of bonfire material through its website.

Mr Whitfield also encouraged parents, carers, families and friends to speak to young people about the consequences of deliberate fire-setting and antisocial behaviour.

He said:

“All our fire engines are fitted with CCTV, and any evidence of criminal activity will be shared with Merseyside Police.”

What Safety Advice Has Been Issued?

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has previously advised that only adults aged over 18 should light bonfires and fireworks. The service says fireworks should never be placed in pockets, thrown, or returned to once lit.

The service also warns that fireworks or aerosols should never be thrown into a bonfire, because this can create toxic fumes or cause containers to explode, leading to serious injury.

MFRS has advised that sparklers should not be given to children under five and that gloves should always be worn when using them. It has also urged families to keep children and pets away from bonfires, to check that no animals or children are hiding near a fire before it is lit, and to keep pets indoors during displays.

The fire service asks residents to report unlit bonfires or accumulations of combustible material, including wood, mattresses and rubbish, through its website. During previous Bonfire periods, MFRS has removed tonnes of potential bonfire material from Merseyside streets.

Liverpool City Council states on its website that bonfires and fireworks are not permitted in parks or public spaces except at permitted, organised displays approved through the Safety Advisory Group and licensed events. The council classifies unauthorised use in streets or public spaces as antisocial behaviour and asks residents to report it to Merseyside Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

How Can Residents Report Concerns?

Merseyside Police is asking residents, parents and guardians to report concerns so that officers and partner agencies can respond before problems escalate.

For non-emergency incidents, the force says people can use its non-emergency reporting channels, including AI Bobbi on the force website, the 101 telephone service, or its social media channels @MerPolCC on X or Facebook.

Merseyside Police says anyone should call 999 if there is a crime in progress, an immediate threat to life, or someone is in danger.

People with information about antisocial behaviour or the misuse of fireworks can also contact Merseyside Police through its social media desk, AI Bobbi or 101. Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through its website.

What Activities Are Available for Young People?

Alongside enforcement, hundreds of young people across Merseyside will be able to take part in positive activities during the Halloween and Bonfire period.

The activities are funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership through the Youth Empowerment Scheme, known as YES.

According to the information reported by The Guide Liverpool, 30 community organisations across the region have received grants through YES. The funding will support activities including Halloween parties, youth club sessions, live music performances, community bonfire events and family-friendly celebrations.

Young people will also have opportunities to take part in creative projects, including performances featuring music developed through YES-funded workshops. The projects are intended to help young people build confidence, skills and positive connections within their communities.

The organisers say the activities are designed to provide safe, supervised environments where young people can socialise, have fun and access support from trusted youth and community workers.

What Role Are Schools Playing?

Schools across Merseyside are supporting the seasonal safety campaign through Pol-Ed, a free online platform launched earlier in 2026 by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership.

Pol-Ed provides teachers with ready-made lesson plans, videos and classroom resources. The materials support discussions around personal safety, community responsibility and positive decision-making during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s office says this preventative work forms part of the wider effort involving Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and partner organisations throughout the period.

As reported by The Guide Liverpool, the PCC’s office said:

“We all have a role to play, and I would encourage residents, parents and carers to support their efforts by reporting concerns, looking out for one another and helping to ensure Halloween and Bonfire Night are safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Background of the Development

Halloween and Bonfire Night are traditionally among the busiest periods of the year for Merseyside emergency services because of increased reports of antisocial behaviour, deliberate fires, fireworks misuse and criminal damage.

In 2026, the period coincides with the school half-term break, which agencies say increases the importance of early prevention and community engagement. The clocks went back on Sunday, October 25, shortly before schools broke up, creating darker evenings at a time when more families and young people are expected to be outdoors.

Merseyside Police launched the Merseyside Antisocial Behaviour Partnership earlier in 2026 with the Police and Crime Commissioner. The partnership brings together local authorities, housing associations, charities and other organisations to coordinate responses to antisocial behaviour.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has also issued seasonal safety advice ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night. In previous years, the service has highlighted the risks of deliberate fires, unsafe bonfires, fireworks misuse and flammable Halloween costumes, while urging residents to attend organised events where possible.

Liverpool City Council’s involvement reflects its wider community-safety role, including work with the Merseyside Resilience Forum and other partner agencies responsible for emergency planning and public safety across the Merseyside Police force area.

Prediction: How Could This Affect Merseyside Residents?

For Merseyside residents, the joint operation is likely to mean a more visible police and partner-agency presence in areas with a history of Halloween and Bonfire-related problems.

Families attending organised events may benefit from additional safety measures, while parents and carers are likely to receive more direct guidance on fireworks, bonfires, costumes and reporting concerns. Residents who experience antisocial behaviour or see unsafe bonfire material may find it easier to report issues through established police, fire service and council channels.

For young people, funded community activities could provide supervised alternatives during the half-term break. If the Youth Empowerment Scheme activities attract participation, they may reduce the likelihood of unsupervised gatherings becoming associated with antisocial behaviour.

For local businesses and community organisers, increased Trading Standards activity may affect the sale and promotion of fireworks, particularly where sellers cannot demonstrate compliance with legal requirements. Organised Bonfire and Halloween events may also see greater demand as residents seek safer, supervised celebrations.

The overall effect will depend on how effectively residents report concerns and how quickly partner agencies can respond. The agencies’ message is that community information, early reporting and safe behaviour during the Halloween and Bonfire period can help prevent incidents from escalating into emergencies.