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Police given extra powers after town centre trouble

Google Kirkby police station in Kirkby, Merseyside. It is a three-storey brick building with a number of police cars and vans parked in its car park.Google
Police will be able to arrest anyone who returns to Kirkby town centre after being told to leave

Police have been given extra powers after a rise in criminal damage, abuse of shop staff and dangerous bike riding in a town centre.

Until Sunday night they will be able to arrest anyone who comes back into part of Kirkby, Merseyside, if they have previously been told to leave.

Officers will also be able to seize any items that they suspect might be used to commit antisocial behaviour.

Merseyside Police Insp Andy Robinson said the powers were not given or used lightly, but were necessary after a recent increase in trouble-making in the area.

The area covered by the Section 60 dispersal order includes everywhere within a neighbourhood bordered by County Road, Webster Drive, Cherryfield Drive, and Hall Lane.

The order runs until 01:00 BST on Sunday.

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