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Police say they “will not tolerate” trouble at Whiston Hospital following reports of staff harassment.
Property damage and cannabis smoking have also been reported to Merseyside Police.
The force said it is regularly called to and around the hospital parking lot for reports of “youth gathering” and urged parents to track their children’s movements.
Such an issue was having a “massive impact” on hospital staff and patients at a time of great pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, police added.
Police patrols are working with hospital security personnel to combat the problem.
Knowsley’s community policing team shared images of a force’s presence in the area Tuesday night, writing on Facebook that officers “have been patrolling the Whiston Hospital area tonight following a series of reports from youth they act in an antisocial manner towards staff and visitors, using drugs and damaging the multi-story car park. “
The most recent incident was reported on Monday, although the suspected rioters had fled before the arrival of police.
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Knowsley Community Police Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said: “We regularly patrol the Whiston Hospital parking lot and surrounding areas due to reports of the youth gathering.
“Previous damage has been done, and we have also received reports that cannabis is being used at the site and that staff and visitors have been harassed.
“The most recent incident was reported to us on Monday night, although no one was located when patrols attended.
“We will not tolerate such behavior and will continue to work closely with the hospital and the Knowsley Council Crime and Communities service to respond to such reports.”
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Whiston Hospital is part of the St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, which has so far recorded 375 Covid-19 related hospital deaths.
Insp Rexwinkel added: “These meetings have a massive impact on those who work or visit the hospital.
“This would be a concern in normal times, but preventing this is even more important now, given the massive pressure our NHS is under, as well as the simple fact that people should stay home when possible. If you are parent youth caregiver, make sure you know where they are and encourage them to stay home and not mix outside. “
* Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police by calling 101, on Twitter (via @MerPolCC) or Crimestoppers, anonymously, at 0800 555 111
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