Terrified residents in Garston, Liverpool, say gangs of ‘feral’ children are making their lives hell – and threatening to fire bomb the homes of those who speak up against their problematic behaviour
In a “lawless” corner of Liverpool, terrified residents say gangs of “feral” children are making their lives hell.
Families in Garston-under-the-bridge have told how groups of youths – some as young as six – roam the streets with knives, smash their way into homes, set fires and hurl racist and homophobic abuse.
Locals say they have become prisoners in their own homes, too scared to speak out for fear of retaliation. One woman explained: “If you say anything, they threaten to fire bomb your house.” She described her street as “basically lawless,” adding: “Every time they get away with something, they step it up a level. We are all terrified of what is coming with Bonfire Night and Mizzy Night.”
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She told the Liverpool Echo that children climb over police cars, trespass into homes and even taunt residents through doorbell cameras. “They don’t fear getting caught because they know nothing will happen. One of them is six and is hanging round with older teenagers. It is like they are being groomed.”
Another woman, already preparing to move out, said: “We have had these kids trying to boot our door down and trying to smash our windows in. Some of these are kids younger than 10 […] I have never been terrified of children before.”
Councillors Sam Gorst and Lucy Williams, of the Liverpool Community Independents, said residents are being “tormented” by escalating crime. Cllr Gorst said: “Incidents remain persistent and, in some hotspots, have escalated. Residents continue to report intimidation, arson, late-night disturbances, visible drug use/dealing and criminal damage.
“As councillors we feel unsupported by the police that are failing to enforce proportionate penalties on those continuously committing crime. Low-level crime and anti-social behaviour are too often tolerated until they escalate. We would like to see more visible policing, high-visibility patrols and rapid responses in known hotspots. Persistent offenders should be subject to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and tenancy enforcement.”
He also criticised housing associations, saying: “Some are taking far too long to act on sustained nuisance and criminality, leaving neighbours feeling tormented, unsafe or intimidated for years.”
Merseyside Police say they are taking action. Superintendent Charlotte Irlam admitted anti-social behaviour has risen in the area but insisted officers are working with the council, fire service, housing associations and youth services to tackle the problem. She said: “The causes of antisocial behaviour are complex, which is why we continue to adopt a partnership approach to tackling it.”
The force confirmed a youth was recently arrested for harassment and released on bail, while another will be interviewed over assault allegations. Officers have issued tickets, explored warrants, and warned several young people under Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.
Superintendent Irlam added: “We have also been proactive in disruption tactics […] Additionally, we have been working with partner agencies and councillors with regards to diversionary activities which include Strictly Boxing sessions. The installation of CCTV to assist with the detection and prevention of crime and ASB is being looked at and we have introduced the mini police into Banks Primary, which is situated on the estate, to help improve relationships with the police.”
She pointed to joint walkabouts with partner agencies, outreach sessions for young people and problem-solving work that has addressed issues like fly-tipping and poor lighting. Acknowledging local frustration, she said: “We rely on those affected to report their experiences. Every single ASB incident is reviewed by the Neighbourhood Team to ensure we have the most up-to-date community intelligence to tackle the problem, determine our patrol activity and initiate problem solving efforts, safeguard vulnerable people and bring criminals to justice.
“We understand that some people may not feel comfortable reporting directly to the police or other authorities. That’s why we have partnered with Crimestoppers to offer residents an easy and completely anonymous way to raise their concerns. Our officers and staff are all members of the community themselves, so we understand the impact that incidents of anti-social behaviour cause and are determined to hold those responsible accountable.”
The force said crime in Garston actually fell 6% in 2024 and 8% in 2023, though anti-social behaviour has increased. Superintendent Irlam stressed: “Our message is clear; ASB will not be tolerated.
“To combat this slight increase, the Under-the-Bridge area in Garston has been identified as an area that will receive additional dedicated high-visibility foot patrols and targeted patrols in 2025 as part of the hotspot programme. We know that in other areas of Merseyside, the hotspot programme has had a positive effect on reducing crime, anti-social behaviour and increasing the confidence of the community. The Neighbourhood Team are working hard to ensure that Garston experiences similar success.”
She urged: “Information is vital in our work, so please report any incidents or concerns to us […] always call 999 if a crime is in progress or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”