23 people arrested in operation to target domestic abuse across Merseyside

 Police have arrested 23 people across Merseyside as part of a crackdown on domestic abuse.

Yesterday, teams of local officers, led by Merseyside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit travelled across Wirral, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Knowsley as part of Operation Cassia - a bi-monthly police operation to arrest people we believe are responsible for both recent and historical cases of domestic abuse.

Two men were charged and have appeared at court today. They have now been released on conditional bail.

Kevin Burgess, aged 51, of Lauriston Road, Liverpool has been charged with assault by beating, threatening a person with a blade / sharply pointed article in a public place and intimidating a witness / juror. He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 21 July 2023.

Alun Roberts, aged 41, of Hornby Crescent, St Helens has been charged with two counts of common assault. He will next appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 21 July 2023.

One suspect has been served with a Domestic Violence Protection Notice and will appear in court later today.

One suspect remains in custody, and another suspect has been released without charge.

18 suspects have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said: “These operations are only a snapshot of what our officers do every day to seek out those involved in such crimes and offer justice for victim-survivors. We have been working hard behind the scenes to gather evidence and build a case against each of them.

“Domestic abuse isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. Some of the signs of domestic abuse, such as physical marks, may be easy to identify but others may be things you can easily explain away or overlook.

“Often victims are either in a relationship with the perpetrator or have been historically, it can therefore be very hard for them to report what has been going on. They might still love their abuser, feel loyal to them, are protecting their children or are simply living in fear.”

Detective Chief Inspector Hinds added: “Merseyside Police is determined to break that cycle of abuse where perpetrators continue to commit crime after crime against their victim thinking that every time they do, they are less likely to get caught. 
 
“Please talk to us or the partners we work with if you are a victim of domestic abuse, so we can protect you or anyone that does come forward and take decisive action against abusers. Together we can help you overcome any cycle of domestic abuse.”