Youths use weapons to 'threaten door staff' at Westfield Street bar

As reported by the Star yesterday, six males were arrested following reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre, with two large knives being seized by the police.

Officers have now alleged that the six males were using the weapons to threaten door staff at a bar on Westfield Street, at around 11.30pm on Saturday, February 11.

Following reports of a foot chase in the town centre, with some youths wearing balaclavas, officers arrested six males for numerous offences.

Arrests made by the police

• A 20-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows was arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a controlled Class A drug (cocaine) and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place
• A 16-year-old male from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place
• A 16-year-old male from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place
• A 21-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place
• A 16-year-old male from Birkdale was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug (cocaine), affray and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place
• A 16-year-old male from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

All six males have been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Sentencing guidelines show that the maximum sentence for possessing a bladed weapon is four years’ custody.

If the offender has committed the same offence before or another relevant offence, they will face a minimum sentence of at least six months’ custody.

The starting point for the police to charge young people for knife crime offences is 16 and 17, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The second knife seized from the group (Image: Merseyside Police)

'Very concerning incident'

Inspector of Community Policing in St Helens Stacey Pope said: “This was a very concerning incident and thanks to the swift response of officers, six males were arrested and two weapons seized.

“We are committed in arresting anyone who stores, carries and uses weapons in our communities. We will act on all information provided so please come forward if you have any other information about weapons being stored.

"The consequences of knife crime can be devastating for so many people, and every single weapon we seize is a risk removed from the streets.”

If you have any information about this incident or want to report knife crime in your area, please contact the police via @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook.

You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or contact them via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.