A hard-hitting play highlighting the consequences of anti-social behaviour was watched by hundreds of Wirral school children in New Brighton.

Drama students from AS and A2 level classes performed the drama “Bored” in front of pupils to drive home the effects intimidation and bullying can have on victims and perpetrators.

Written by students and advised by Merseyside Police, the play gave an insight into the way anti-social behaviour can start through peer pressure and then snowball into tragedy.

It also described the lengthy prison sentences given to culprits when they face the courts.

At the end of the performance the students were handed manslaughter charges ranging from two to 15 years imprisonment after showing how one woman targeted with abuse took her own life.

Birkenhead born international boxing champion Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd was a guest speaker at the event alongside local radio personality Pete Price.

Chief constable at Merseyside Police, Andy Cooke said: “The play came over extremely well. The students from Birkenhead Sixth Form College were fantastic, and it was a really powerful message about what can happen when antisocial behaviour goes wrong.

“The peer-to-peer approach is extremely effective, especially through acting, as it brings it to life. The message can be a lot harder to deliver when standing in a classroom, but when it’s being performed by talented kids like this, it makes a big difference.”

“The message I’d give to the young people is to think how you would feel if it were your mum, your dad or your loved one on the receiving end of this behaviour; just think what results of those actions are. This play does a fantastic job of showing people exactly what the consequences can be and Merseyside Police will fully support the victims of these crimes.”

WBC international lightweight champion Sean gave an emotional speech after the performance: “The play was amazing, it really was. I was trying to think of what to say in my talk during it but I was left a bit speechless because the message was unbelievable. I could see myself in all of those situations when I was younger.

“My message when I was speaking was to try to tell the kids that what was shown here today was for real; it’s serious and it’s no joke.”

Radio DJ Pete said: “I was thrilled when the children in the audience gasped as they heard the sentences being delivered, because sometimes people don’t understand that you can bully somebody, harass somebody and those people can take their own lives. The message came over loud and clear.

“I was so pleased that the young people in the audience connected with the young people performing on the stage. The message to take away is to leave people alone – you wouldn’t like it if it was done to you, or your family or friends, so don’t do it to them, end of story.”