49 arrested after hundreds of police officers descended on part of Merseyside

More than 250 police officers conducted warrants, roadside checks, land and underwater searches and more in what Merseyside Police described as a “sustained and relentless offensive against criminals operating in our local communities”.

During Thursday, activity included 49 arrests, 16 warrants executed, four land searches, large amounts of drugs, e-bikes and cash seized, eight suspected drink/drug drivers arrested, six vehicles seized and a number of Traffic Offence Reports issued.

The 49 people detained were arrested on suspicion of offences including: sexual assault; possession of indecent images; domestic assault; stalking and controlling/coercive behaviour; supply of Class A and B drugs; drug driving; drink driving; theft; criminal damage.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “Yesterday saw one of the largest days of action we have seen in Merseyside, and I know the sheer volume of activity would have sent a very clear message.

“Criminals will have been left in no doubt that Merseyside Police will maximise all of the resources and tools at our disposal to root them out and bring them to justice.

“And I hope our communities will have seen that we are on their side and share their total contempt for people who bring fear and harm to their streets.”

Chief Constable Carden added: “This day was clearly a huge, focused and targeted operation - but it was not a one off.

“There will be more days like this and much of the activity we concentrated on Huyton and Stockbridge Village on Thursday happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year right across Merseyside.

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“Merseyside Police will disrupt criminals in their homes, as they walk the streets and drive on our roads. Operation vanguard should have been a crystal clear reminder that they are simply not welcome here.

“My ask of the public is that you continue to support our efforts by telling us where offences are taking place - it might be a neighbour experiencing domestic abuse, violence witnessed on your street, suspicious behaviour that could be linked to burglary, or someone you have heard is storing drugs or weapons.

“Whatever it might be, tell us what you know and we will do the rest.”

If you have any information call 101 or contact Merseyside Police on social media @MerPolCC. You can also report information here.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here. In an emergency always call 999.