Merseyside Police

A temporary flight restriction zone, specifically affecting drones, will be in place above Royal Birkdale golf course as part of the policing operation during The 154th Open Golf Championship. The UAS-only Restricted Area (Temporary) will been in place between Saturday 11 July and Tuesday 21 July 2026. During the period beginning at 5am and ending at 9pm on each of the eleven days no unmanned aircraft is permitted to fly within the area outlined in the attached map. The Civil Aviation Authority and the Secretary of State for Transport agree that it is necessary and in the public interest to introduce Restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 for unmanned aircraft for reasons of public safety and security . Matrix Inspector Carl McNulty said: “This is a standard measure which has been in place in previous years for large scale public events. “Specialist resources, made up of Merseyside Police officers and officers from regional and national teams, including air support, will be in place for the duration of the event and we are also working with partners including the local authority, other emergency services, and businesses in the community to ensure this is a safe and secure event.” Anyone who wishes to seek consideration for the safe and appropriate flight of a drone in these areas must obtain permission through the Merseyside Police Counter Drone Team on 07971688873 or via email: drone.exemptions@merseyside.police.uk Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website: Drones | UK Civil Aviation Authority.

FOUND | Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal to find missing Jack Dale. He has been located safe and well

⛳ Calling all golf fans! The 154th @TheOpen gets underway tomorrow at @royalbirkdale. Over the next eight days, more than 300,000 visitors are expected to attend one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. We’ve been working closely with The R&A, @seftoncouncil, our emergency services and partner agencies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for players, spectators and local residents. 👮‍♂️ You can expect to see high-visibility policing throughout the Championship, supporting event organisers and security teams across the site and surrounding areas. We want everyone to enjoy the event, but please remember: • Anti-social behaviour, disorder and criminal activity will not be tolerated. • Allow extra time for your journey and arrive early. • Bring only essential items and limit the number of bags you carry. • Be prepared for security checks, including bag searches. For travel information, including buses and trains, visit @Merseytravel. ℹ️ For event information, visit The Open's official website. We hope everyone has a great time 🤩

Our #ProjectServator officers deployed across Southport today, ahead of the 154th Open 🏌🏻at @royalbirkdale. If you noticed these patrols, there's nothing to worry about. These deployments consist of uniformed and plain-clothes officers who are specially trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be gathering information to help them plan or prepare to commit a crime. During deployments, the officers will also speak with members of the public and security staff to encourage vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activity. We use a variety of tactics including vehicle checkpoints and other resources to disrupt criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. Thanks to everyone that spoke with officers about remaining vigilant 👀👂 and reporting anything suspicious. Remember, if you see something that doesn't feel right, tell staff, security, or a police officer, or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999. For more ℹ about Project Servator, visit the force website: orlo.uk/ojdJQ

FOUND | Great news, 15-year-old Lilly-May Smith has been found safe and well. Thank you for sharing the appeal.

@DaveKendallPho1 Morning Dave. Drugs wipes were also used during this same op and one driver arrested under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act. NL - Admin

@MerseyPolice But isn’t drug driving out running drunk driving by a massive amount now on Merseyside ? Is there a similar test for drug use that will stop the nonsense of lab tests that take weeks to confirm?

➡️ Today, we have become the first force in the UK to deploy evidential roadside alcohol-testing technology in a bid to detect and deter drink-driving among returning holidaymakers. Previously, an initial screening test would be followed by the requirement for an evidential sample in custody, potentially several hours later, however, the new evidential roadside alcohol testing allows officers to charge motorists at the roadside for drink-driving offences. ✅ This means that there is no possibility for anyone’s alcohol level to drop while they’re waiting for an evidential breath test in custody. The new technology is being introduced as part of Operation Take Off, a campaign targeting motorists returning from holidays who may have consumed alcohol before or during their journey home ✈️ The initiative is dedicated in memory of eight-month-old Zackary Blades and his aunt, Karlene Warner, who were killed in May 2024 by a driver leaving Newcastle Airport driving nearly three times over the legal limit. If someone has been drinking before boarding their flight home, or while travelling, and believes that somehow they can get behind the wheel without consequence, they should think again. We now have the ability to remove them from the road immediately and begin the process of bringing them to justice. Alongside the new alcohol-testing equipment, we are also trialling new technology to improve the detection of drivers suspected of using nitrous oxide at the wheel. There is no excuse for drink or drug driving | #OPTAKEOFF

We are turning comments off on this post for legal reasons. A person has been charged and therefore legal proceedings under the Contempt of Court Act are active. NL - Admin

We have charged a Liverpool man with s20 wounding following a serious injury fail-to-stop road traffic collision on Mount Vernon Street in #Liverpool on Tuesday 7 July. At approximately 3.35pm, an electric-assisted pedal cycle was involved in a collision with a woman as she crossed a zebra crossing and stepped onto the pavement, near to the Linda McCartney Centre. Kieran Connor Sewards, 31, of Chatsworth Drive,# Liverpool, has been remanded into custody to appear at Wirral magistrates court today, Friday 10 July. The injured woman, who is aged 57 and from the #Liverpool area, remains in hospital in a serious condition. Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has come forward so far to assist with the investigation. “We are continuing to appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or saw a male on a grey e-bike in the hours after the incident on Tuesday afternoon to get in touch.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000546903. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FOUND | Great news, Grace Robinson-Light from Southport has been found safe and well. Thanks you for sharing the appeal.

UPDATE | We have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of dangerous cycling following a fail-to-stop road traffic collision in #Liverpool. The man, who is from the #Liverpool area, is currently in custody and enquiries into the incident remain ongoing. The injured woman, who is aged 57 and from the #Liverpool area, remains in hospital in a serious condition. Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Although we have made an arrest, I am continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information, particularly in relation to the movement of the bike afterwards, to come forward.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000546903. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ORIGINAL CCTV APPEAL FOLLOWING FAIL TO STOP ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISION IN LIVERPOOL We have issued CCTV images of a man we would like to speak to following a serious injury fail-to-stop road traffic collision on Mount Vernon Street in Liverpool yesterday, Tuesday 7 July. At approximately 3.35pm, an electric-assisted pedal cycle was involved in a collision with a woman as she crossed a zebra crossing and stepped onto the pavement, near to the Linda McCartney Centre. The male rider was also thrown from the cycle. However, he subsequently remounted the bike and rode away, leaving the injured woman unconscious on the ground. The woman, who is in her 50s, was taken to hospital where she remains in a serious condition. Emergency services attended the scene and an investigation was launched. A number of road closures were put in place but have since been lifted. Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the woman injured in this collision. Her family are aware and are being supported. "We have launched an investigation into the circumstances of this incident and my team is working to establish the full facts. "The person involved would have been aware of the severity of the injuries sustained and it is completely unacceptable that he chose to get back on the bike and ride away. "We would like to speak to the man pictured as we believe he could assist with our enquiries. If anyone recognises the individual shown, I urge them to contact us immediately. "The collision occurred on Mount Vernon Street, which runs from Prescot Street through the grounds of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are asking motorists who were in the area at around 3pm, or in the immediate aftermath of the collision, to review any dashcam footage they may have, including front and rear-facing cameras. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove vital to our enquiries. "Finally, I would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help in what was undoubtedly a very difficult situation. Their assistance and compassion were greatly appreciated." Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000546903. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We can confirm that a tenth person has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the murder of Ellis Cox. Ellis, aged 19, was fatally shot on Sunday 23 June 2024 at the Liver Industrial Estate and enquiries continue to find those responsible. A 25-year-old man from Liverpool was arrested this morning (Thursday 9 July) on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He has been taken into police custody where he will be questioned by detectives. This brings the total number of arrests in this case to ten, with the previously arrested people remaining on bail. Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “I hope this latest arrest illustrates how we remain as determined as ever to find the people responsible for the murder of Ellis Cox. “Even though more that two years have now passed since he was killed, we are still fully committed to getting justice for Ellis’ family. “Although we have made this arrest, it is vital that anyone who has information comes forward as you could assist our ongoing investigation.” Crimestoppers is currently offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder. This has recently been extended until Tuesday 6 October 2026. Ellis’ family has also fundraised and are offering an additional £20,000, making the total amount £40,000. To provide information, you can visit a dedicated web page to submit information or footage which can help in the investigation of Ellis’s murder: orlo.uk/0tyvF You can also contact us via social media @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting reference 2400055471. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: orlo.uk/0xSsn

Thank you for bringing this to our attention on social media. We have liaised with the club and our neighbouring force @GMPolice about progressing enquiries into this online hate crime and gauging the wishes of the player who has been targeted. Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police as the investigating force, either by calling them on 101 or their website, quoting crime reference number CRI/06LL/0016983/26

@Saints1890 this person needs finding and banning from the club at the very minimum. Or invite him to a no camera training session . @MerseyPolice Martin ODonnell needs a few weeks in Walton

If you were in the Southport area today, you may have seen #ProjectServator deployments in the run-up to the 154th Open 🏌🏻beginning at @royalbirkdale this weekend. Although these patrols are different from normal police operations, if you see one, don't worry. The deployments can happen anywhere and at any time and consist of officers in uniform and plain clothes who are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent such as gathering information to help them plan or prepare to commit a crime. During deployments, officers will use a variety of tactics, including vehicle checkpoints. They will also speak to members of the public to encourage vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activity. The aim is to build a network of vigilance, disrupt criminality, including terrorism, and provide a reassuring presence to the public. There were also deployments at the city's waterfront area. Thank you to everyone that spoke with officers today, including many passengers from the cruise ship who were interested to learn how Project Servator helps keep our communities safe. For more ℹ about Project Servator, visit the force website: orlo.uk/7uGmu

We have issued CCTV images of a man we would like to speak to following a serious injury fail-to-stop road traffic collision on Mount Vernon Street in Liverpool yesterday, Tuesday 7 July. At approximately 3.35pm, an electric-assisted pedal cycle was involved in a collision with a woman as she crossed a zebra crossing and stepped onto the pavement, near to the Linda McCartney Centre. The male rider was also thrown from the cycle. However, he subsequently remounted the bike and rode away, leaving the injured woman unconscious on the ground. The woman, who is in her 50s, was taken to hospital where she remains in a serious condition. Emergency services attended the scene and an investigation was launched. A number of road closures were put in place but have since been lifted. Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the woman injured in this collision. Her family are aware and are being supported. "We have launched an investigation into the circumstances of this incident and my team is working to establish the full facts. "The person involved would have been aware of the severity of the injuries sustained and it is completely unacceptable that he chose to get back on the bike and ride away. "We would like to speak to the man pictured as we believe he could assist with our enquiries. If anyone recognises the individual shown, I urge them to contact us immediately. "The collision occurred on Mount Vernon Street, which runs from Prescot Street through the grounds of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. We are asking motorists who were in the area at around 3pm, or in the immediate aftermath of the collision, to review any dashcam footage they may have, including front and rear-facing cameras. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove vital to our enquiries. "Finally, I would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help in what was undoubtedly a very difficult situation. Their assistance and compassion were greatly appreciated." Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000546903. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

INSPECTION REPORT | We've been rated 'outstanding' at preventing and deterring crime, and graded as 'good' in three other areas by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. But our chief constable has vowed to make our force 'outstanding for the people of Merseyside' after the report also highlighted four areas in which we were 'adequate' and one where we are 'requiring improvement'. More response officers are on duty 24/7 and more neighbourhood officers are patrolling the streets since CC Rob Carden restructured the force in March this year. The HMICFRS 'PEEL assessment' covers August 2025 to March 2026. You can read our full response and that of the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, as well as the full report on our website here: orlo.uk/QghyK

Our #ProjectServator officers deployed at several locations yesterday. The weather was hot, and officers spoke to plenty of sun seekers passing through @LPL_Airport and shoppers at @Liverpool_ONE. These deployments consist of uniformed and plain-clothes officers, and they can happen anywhere and at any time. We use a variety of tactics including vehicle checkpoints and live-monitored CCTV to disrupt criminal activity, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for the public. Although they are different from normal police operations, if you see a deployment, don't worry – it's all about keeping you safe. Feel free to speak to officers and they will be happy to explain what they are doing. During patrols Project Servator officers liaised with security staff at @LFC and spoke to members of the public to encourage vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activity – this would be anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life. For more ℹ about Project Servator and how you can help us keep people safe, visit the force website: orlo.uk/eGYv9