POLICE have confirmed they made an arrest in St Helens town centre after reports of youths fighting at St Helens bus station on Saturday night.

As reported, there was disorder in the town centre over the weekend, with police enforcing a dispersal zone to break up any further potential troublemakers.

The Star was told of reports that youths were brawling on Saturday night, resulting in a large police presence swooping on the Corporation Street bus station.

18-year-old arrested

In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed to the Star that an arrest was made on suspicion of a series of offences.

The statement read: "We were called to St Helens Bus Station at around 8.15pm to reports of youths fighting.

"Officers attended and a 18-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of obstructing police; criminal damage to a vehicle; possession of Class B drugs and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

"He has been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries."

The dispersal zone was put in place in the area which is bounded by the A58 Linkway West, A58 Linkway East, Parr Street, Shaw Street, Hall Street, Standish Street, College Street, Duke Street, A570 Boundary Road and Kirkland Street.

Dispersal zones are under Section 34/35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers the powers to direct people engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents and not return for up to 48 hours.

Officers also have the power to seize items used for anti-social behaviour.

Message to parents

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Josh Griffiths said: “We have introduced this order in response to anti-social behaviour carried out by youths in St Helens town centre over the weekend.

“We have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues, and this dispersal zone gives officers extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti-social behaviour or other crimes.

“This order is to ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns and we will take action. 

“I would urge parents and guardians to know where young people in your care are, to further assist us in dealing with those who cause trouble.

“If you witness any anti-social behaviour or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action.”