Bank of England Building on
Castle Street Update
Photos by Marcus Cullman.
MERSEYSIDE Police confirmed this week that a 42 year old woman had been arrested for obstructing Police officers and was also later arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. This comes as a number of people had been removed from the former Bank of England Building on Castle Street, in Liverpool City Centre, on Tuesday, 12 May 2015. Due to the unlawful breach of the interim Warrant of Possession a decision was made to enter the premises and at about 5.25am a cordon was put in place around the building as a precautionary measure. In total during that incident 4 men, aged 20, 20, 22, 50, and a 19 year old woman were arrested for trespassing during the currency of a possession order. The 19 year old was also arrested criminal damage and an offence under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Just after the news broke of the arrests Chief Superintendent Jon Ward QPM, told the media that:- "The safety of both the public and the occupying group have been the top priority throughout this operation. The decision to take this action today has not been taken lightly. Merseyside Police is clear that while we will facilitate peaceful protest we will not tolerate disorder, criminal or anti social behaviour during any demonstration. Since this group forced entry to the building numerous calls have been received by the Police from members of the public regarding the anti-social behaviour of some of the trespassers, and some of their associated supporters in the street. This has included littering, urinating from the upper floors of the building into the street below and noise and swearing. This group was issued with an interim Warrant of Possession from a court which they chose not to adhere to and they were also advised by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service that people utilising and residing inside the property were at risk. Despite knowing the risks the group made a decision to remain inside the property. Since the warrant was issued the group have been committing an offence by unlawfully residing there and my officers have legally, Under power of entry for this offence pursuant to Section 17 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, had the ability to enter the property and arrest those inside... Instead, during the last 25 days my officers have tried to negotiate with the members of the group on numerous occasions and have asked them to leave the premises both verbally and in written form to avail. The group were also warned that officers may take a decision to gain entry to the building to arrest them if they did not leave. Representatives from the Whitechapel Centre have attended the building on numerous occasions offering support and arranging solutions for the homeless people and rough sleepers there. Part of this support was to offer accommodation to those who wanted it. A decision was made to enter the premises to arrest those inside for various offences this morning. This action was appropriate and proportionate given the risks involved. At the present time none of the people arrested have been identified as being homeless or rough sleepers. The force is working with the local authority to give guidance to owners regarding the security of their buildings. This is something we routinely carry out as part of our role and we have reinforced those messages in light of recent events. Police Officers and crime scene investigators are now undertaking examinations to gather evidence in relation to the criminal damage caused during the occupation of this Grade 1 listed building and to see if any other offences have been committed. Positive action will be taken against those found to have committed any offences. We know this matter has caused some disruption to the local community and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding whilst this matter was resolved. I would also like to take this opportunity to warn other individuals or groups thinking of occupying buildings in a similar fashion that this type of action will not be tolerated and we will, as in this case, use all legal means at our disposal to remove you and bring you to justice."
Timeline of the events that took place:-
► On Saturday, 18 April 2015, a group gained entry to the Grade 1 listed
building and utilised the building from that date. During this time officers
attempted to engage with the group on numerous occasions but the group
continually refused to speak with the officers. The owners of the building were
notified and they began legal action to evict the group from the premises.
► On Wednesday, 22 April 2015, the group were served a notice from the Liverpool
Civil Court summonsing them to appear on Tuesday, 28 April 2015.
► On Friday, 24 April 2015, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) issued a
Prohibition Notice to the people occupying the property having conducted an
inspection. The Notice was served as the means of escape and the fire alarm
system within the premises were inadequate given people were sleeping there. The
Notice informed the group of the risks of sleeping in the building, and that
such use was prohibited and if they continued to do so it would be a breach of
the Prohibition Notice and an offence under the Fire Safety Order.
► On Tuesday, 28 April 2015, a hearing took place at Liverpool Civil Court
attended by representatives for the building owners, Liverpool City Council,
Merseyside Police and the occupying group. Following the hearing the court
issued the issue of an interim Warrant of Possession which gave the occupying
group 24 hours to leave the premises.
► On Wednesday, 29 April 2015, after the 24 hour period had expired, members of
the group remained inside the premises refusing to leave despite previously
stating they would adhere by the terms of the court order.
► On Thursday, 30 April 2015, Merseyside Police introduced a dispersal zone
under Section 35 of the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act in the
area in response to a number of concerns raised by local businesses and
residents. This allowed officers to direct individuals to leave the dispersal
zone for up to 48 hours. If a person refused to leave or, having left then
returns within the time period specified, they were liable to be arrested.
► By the time the notice expired on Saturday, 2 May 2015, 7 people had been
arrested for not agreeing to disperse.
► As of Saturday, 2 May 2015, Liverpool City Council, put an order in place
under Section 21 of the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 for an area of the City Centre, including Castle Street. This enabled Police to be given the power to
move to prevent an obstruction being caused in the street. If people failed to
move on this was considered a breach of the order and they therefore committed
an offence. Since being introduced a number of warnings were issued under this
Act and people adhered to them.
► Tuesday, 12 May 2015, Officers entered the building
to arrest those inside for breaching the interim possession order in place.
If you have any information that could help the Police with their enquiries
please call the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team on:- 101. Members of the local
community who wish to report any issues can also call Crimestoppers on:- 0800
555 111.
