Group of youths armed with bats and golf clubs travel from Freshfield to Birkdale in Southport

Police patrols responded to reports of a large number of youths carrying golf clubs and baseball bats at Freshfield Railway Station last night.  (Thursday 5th August) 

On arrival the youths had boarded a train and got off at Birkdale Railway Station, which generated more reports from members of the public of a large group of youths armed with golf clubs etc and with their faces covered. 

On the arrival of patrols the group splintered off into smaller groups and made off from officers. A number of these youths were located and stopped and searched. Weapons in the form of golf clubs and metal bars were recovered, stashed in bushes and over garden walls in Birkdale village. A car believed to be involved was stopped and searched and balaclavas were seized.

British Transport Police have since recovered more weapons that had been discarded close to Formby railway Station. 

Local CCTV enquiries are ongoing to confirm the involvement of any individuals and an investigation has been launched.