DOOR staff at The Imperial have been directly praised by police after helping officers catch a knife wielding man.

At around 10.10pm on Sunday, June 9, officers received a report of a man with a knife in St Helens town city centre.

Officers attended and detained a man on Ormskirk Street.

In a letter sent from police to the door staff, read: “On June 6, 2024, you informed local CCTV a male who you had witnessed in possession of a knife which you clearly saw from his pocket.

“This male then attempted to enter your licence premises and you refused him entry.

“You monitored the location of the male, providing exceptional and vital details about the suspect for police to detain him safely and effectively.

“This has resulted in the suspect being detained and arrested in possession of two kitchen knives in a nighttime economy area.”

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Josh Griffiths said the assistance of the door staff was "invaluable".

“St Helens has achieved Purple Flag status which recognises the town as being a safe place for people to visit and enjoy a good night out.

“We are determined to keep this status, which highlights the excellent partnership work between Merseyside Police, pubs and bars and the local authority to keep the public safe.”

A 45-year-old man from Clock Face was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife blade in a public place, using threatening/abusive /insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress and racially/religiously aggravated fear/ provocation of violence by words/writing.

He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Inspector Griffiths added: “Reducing knife crime in Merseyside is a priority all year round.

“Our officers are committed to removing anyone who stores, carries and uses weapons through proactive use of stop and search powers, open land searches, warrants and education work alongside partners.

“We hope this sends a clear message to any other licensed premises that robust action will be taken when issues arise.”

To report an incident contact our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also call or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.