Merseyside Police horses Silver and Oxberry patrol Formby Beach

Police are out in force at Formby Beach following reports of people gathering, telling people there to go home and turning away others who turn up. 

They have also been ordering people to hand over any alcohol, with a Public Spaces Protection Order in place to stop people drinking on the beach. 

Throughout today and tonight officers will be out on foot, in vehicles and on quad bikes at Formby as well as Ainsdale and Crosby beaches, parks and beauty spots including Formby nature reserve. 

The operation comes as Britain enjoys a heatwave with the hottest day of the year so far. 

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “At around 1pm, we received a number of reports of youths congregating together on the beach and sand dunes.

“Officers are in the process of dispersing those attending, and will remain in the area to turn away anyone planning to attend.

“Officers will be continuing to encourage people to keep to the guidelines, in order to protect themselves and others, and where necessary disperse people and take enforcement action.

Read More: Beach plan sees new toilets, skips and parking but visitors urged to stay safe and stay away

“The advice remains that everyone should maintain social distancing of two metres at all times and that people should only meet up with a maximum of six people from other households when outdoors.

“The further easing of restrictions announced yesterday by the Prime Minister does not come into effect for another 10 days – on 4 July – and there are high visibility patrols on the Sefton coastline this week to remind any visitors of the importance of abiding by the current guidelines.

“During previous spells of good weather, we received reports of excessive littering and fires and BBQs being lit as well as people parking illegally and inconsiderately by blocking driveways and residential roads.

“A large quantity of alcohol has also been handed into police by people making their way to Formby Beach – a Public Spaces Protection Order has been in place since 2018 prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in areas including Formby, Crosby and Ainsdale beaches.”

Chief Inspector Andy Rankine said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are adhering to social distancing measures and protecting the wider community from the virus, as well as those keeping an eye out for suspicious behaviour and reporting it to us.

“We will respond to reports of people forming large gatherings, and our significant presence on the Sefton coastline will be on hand to ensure such crowds are dispersed.

“As the Government has stated, it is thanks to those people who are being sensible and abiding by the guidelines that plans have been made to further relax the restrictions in the near future.”

Anyone with information on gatherings can speak to local officers, or get in touch via @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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