United front on bonfire trouble

A team of police, community support officers and firefighters are putting on a united front against anti-social behaviour on Merseyside.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Taskforce now has a base at Wavertree Road police station to tackle public order problems including those around Bonfire Night.

The team uses equipment including head cameras and metal-detecting gloves in "hotspot" trouble areas.

It is also trying to reduce the number of fireworks incidents.

Targeted work

The team comprises 40 police officers, 24 PCSOs and 16 fire officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: "We are acutely aware of how anti-social behaviour can blight communities and people's lives.

"Working under one roof, we want to build on what we have learned to deliver appropriate responses to these communities in places that need it the most.

"By working together we are showing that a real difference can be made."