MORE than 100 incidents of anti-social behaviour were reported to police on "Mischief Night".

While Merseyside Police saw a reduction in the overall number of calls received by the force yesterday, Thursday, they saw a slight increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.

The force recorded a total of 1,538 calls during the police operation yesterday between 2pm and midnight, down from 1,555 the previous year during the same period

There was an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage with 790 such reports being made compared to 715 the previous year - 107 of them were in Wirral, compared to 113 last year.

A total of 30 people were arrested - with 36 arrested last year

As part of the policing operation officers deployed a Trojan bus in areas where offences had been reported.

At about 8.15pm last night the bus was damaged in Marian Square, Netherton after a brick was thrown at the window.

A short time later officers arrested three male youths aged 13, 14, 15 on suspicion of criminal damage and they are being questioned by officers.

Chief Superintendent Julie Cooke, said: "The day before Halloween is often a busy time for police and we have seen a small increase in the number of reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, although I think it’s important to recognise that overall the number of calls we have received has gone down.

"A massive amount of effort and planning has gone into the operation and we have recognised that it is currently school holidays and that the weather has been much better than in previous years.

"I would like to reassure the local community that we will continue to have increased high-visibility patrols tonight and over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. We will work closely with partner agencies and take swift action against the small minority who are intent on causing trouble.

Anyone who would like to report incidents of anti-social behaviour or criminal damage can call police on the 101 number.