Key Points
- There have been several incidents reported of youths engaging in the use of fireworks and fire-setting activities, as well as intimidating locals in the community of Garston, Liverpool, prior to Halloween.
- The Merseyside Police force issued a 72-hour dispersal zone in Garston, which is believed to be the first such order in Merseyside.
- The order came into effect from 12 pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 to 12 pm on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- Individuals suspected of causing or likely to cause any criminal activity, nuisance or anti-social behavior in the specified area may be directed by the police to leave the area and refrain from returning within a period of 48 hours.
- Any property or vehicles being used in connection with anti-social behavior can be seized; the offense of returning to the area in breach of the order constitutes an arrestable offense.
- The dispersal zone applies to Garston Way, Whitehedge Road, Long Lane, Horrocks Avenue, Speke Road, Banks Road, Blackburne Street and King Street.
- Additional patrols will be conducted in Garston while the dispersal zone order remains in place.
Liverpool Fire (Liverpool standard) October 28, 2026 – Merseyside Police has introduced a 72-hour dispersal zone in Garston after reports that groups of youths have been launching fireworks, starting fires and intimidating local people ahead of Halloween. The force said the order is the first of its kind in Merseyside and gives officers additional powers to move suspected offenders out of the area.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the anti-social behaviour has been concentrated in the part of Garston known locally as Garston-under-the-Bridge, between the railway bridge on Church Road and the River Mersey. The force said anti-social behaviour had become prominent again in the lead-up to Halloween, prompting the enhanced policing response.
The dispersal zone is active from 12pm on Wednesday, October 28, until the same time on Saturday, October 31. Under the order, officers may direct anyone they suspect is causing, or is likely to cause, crime, nuisance or anti-social behaviour to members of the public to leave the designated area and not return for up to 48 hours.
What Powers Do Police Have in Garston?
Merseyside Police said officers can seize any item, including vehicles, used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. A person who has previously been directed to leave the area and then returns could commit an offence and be arrested.
The designated zone includes the area bounded by and including Garston Way, Whitehedge Road, Long Lane, Horrocks Avenue, Speke Road, Banks Road, Blackburne Street and King Street. Extra officers will also be deployed to Garston during the three-day period.
Inspector Richard Smith said the force was using new powers to extend a dispersal order to cover 72 hours in Garston. According to the Liverpool Echo, he said:
“This allows us to provide even more reassurance to local residents and step up activity for a longer period of time.”
He added:
“We continue to see anti-social behaviour in this area of Garston and more officers will now be on patrol over the next three days.”
Why Has the Dispersal Zone Been Introduced?
The police response follows repeated reports of disorder in Garston. The Liverpool Echo reported that gangs of youths have been setting off fireworks, starting fires and intimidating people in the run-up to Halloween.
Residents had previously described the area as “lawless” at times, saying they were intimidated and afraid to leave their homes. The Liverpool Echo reported that locals said groups of youths, some as young as six, had set fires, smashed their way into homes and carried knives.
The latest dispersal order is intended to disrupt suspected anti-social activity before and during Halloween. Merseyside Police said the additional powers give officers “an additional tool to disrupt the activities of anyone we suspect is likely to commit ASB”.
What Did Merseyside Police Say?
Inspector Richard Smith said the force understood that reports of disorder could be concerning for residents. He said: “I know these reports can be concerning for residents who live in the area but I want people to be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep everyone safe.”
He also appealed directly to parents and guardians.
“I would appeal to parents and guardians and urge them to inform their children of the dangers of using fireworks and to know where their child is this weekend,”
he said.
Inspector Smith added:
“No parent wants a knock on their door from a police officer informing them that their child has been arrested or been involved in a serious accident.”
How Can Residents Report Concerns?
Merseyside Police asked anyone with information to contact its social media desk, @MerPolCC, on X and Facebook. Information can also be reported through the force website or by calling 101.
Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Why Is the 72-Hour Order Significant?
The order follows a government announcement earlier in the week of tougher measures to tackle anti-social behaviour across the country. One change allows police forces to extend the maximum duration of a dispersal order from 48 to 72 hours.
Merseyside Police said the Garston order is the first 72-hour dispersal zone of its kind in Merseyside. The longer duration is intended to maintain a visible police presence across the Halloween period, when reports of fireworks misuse and anti-social behaviour have historically increased.
Background of the Development
Garston-under-the-Bridge is the area of Garston between the railway bridge in Church Road and the River Mersey. The Liverpool Echo has previously reported extensively on problems there, with residents saying their lives were being affected by youth disorder, fires, break-ins and intimidation.
The latest police action comes as the government announced national measures to strengthen the response to anti-social behaviour, including permitting dispersal orders to last up to 72 hours rather than 48. Merseyside Police has applied that extended power in Garston as Halloween approaches.
Prediction: How Could This Affect Garston Residents?
For Garston residents, the dispersal zone may provide a short-term increase in police visibility and reassurance during Halloween. The order could reduce gatherings linked to fireworks misuse, fires and intimidation by allowing officers to remove suspected offenders from the area for up to 48 hours.
However, the effectiveness of the measure will depend on enforcement, community reporting and whether disorder resumes after the order expires on Saturday, October 31. Parents and guardians may also face greater pressure to supervise young people and discuss the risks of fireworks, as highlighted by Inspector Smith.
