£1,000 fine for masked yobs in city centre

LIVERPOOL has launched a major crackdown on yobs with plans to hand out £1,000 fines for wearing masks, loitering in groups and swearing.

- By Chris Riches

Merseyside Police and the local council want to apply the tough “zero tolerance” rules across most of the city centre.

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was launched in response to complaints from shopkeepers, members of the public and tourists, officials said.

But councillors said some incidents were not being reported because of “fear of retribution” if people were seen to be “engaging with authorities”.

The new rules - which will not include face coverings for religious or medical needs - would be in place for up to two years before being reviewed, police said.