POLICE have confirmed that two men have been arrested after a crowd had gathered outside an address in Prescot.

Shortly after 4.20pm on Monday, February 12, officers received a report of a concern for the safety of a man in his 50s who had been assaulted. 
 
The man's vehicle had also been damaged and a crowd had gathered in connection to this incident.

Officers attended and a number of people were detained at the scene. 
 
The crowd later dispersed and the man - a 57-year-old from Prescot - was removed from the address.

He was later arrested on suspicion of three offences of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and taken into custody where he remains.
 
Following the incident outside the property, a 37-year-old man from Whiston was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class B controlled drug (cannabis) and obstructing an officer undertaking a Misuse of Drugs Act search. He has since been released under investigation.

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Police say they are “actively investigating the incident to identify those involved and where necessary, hold them accountable for their actions”. 
 
Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “We have arrested a man on suspicion of sexual offences, and he is currently in custody where he will be interviewed by officers.
 
“Those people who gathered in Prescot last night caused a serious disturbance for people living in neighbouring properties on what is a residential street.
 
“We understand people might have strong feelings, but that can never be an excuse to break the law by damaging property and assaulting police officers.
 
“If you commit a criminal offence, we will do everything in our power to catch you.

“I would urge anyone considering getting involved in such activity to think very carefully about the consequences for themselves and innocent people who are often put in harm’s way by such incidents."