MERSEYSIDE Police are encouraging young people, families and businesses to play their part in helping to keep their communities safe over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Officers will be patrolling local neighbourhoods to ensure people can enjoy the festivities in their area safely - but police say they cannot do this alone.

Parents and guardians are also being asked to help by taking responsibility for their children’s whereabouts and actions and to be mindful of any neighbours who may be elderly or vulnerable and who might feel frightened or intimidated.

Shopkeepers are also being urged not to sell any items that could be misused to cause damage - such as eggs, flour and cans of shaving foam or spray paint.

Chief Inspector Chris Hitchell, who is heading this year's operation, said: "This is always a fun time of year and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the organised events and activities safely.

"We know that anti-social behaviour is of concern to people, particularly those who are old and vulnerable, and I want to reiterate my message that we will take robust action against those found committing antisocial acts.

"We know the vast majority of young people have respect for other people and their property but we know the behaviour of some can go beyond fun.

"I want to make it clear that is not acceptable to throw things at people or their homes, commit criminal damage or abuse or intimidate people.

"My message is think about what you are doing and how you may make other people feel. How would you feel if a member of your own family was too frightened to leave their own home or walk down the street?

"The support of parents and guardians is vital at this time of year.

"They can minimise the risk by not letting children hang around the streets with nowhere to go and know who they are with and what they are doing, especially in the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night.

"Damage caused by used by Halloween "tricks" such as throwing eggs and flour, or any objects at windows, doors, cars and people is a criminal offence.

"It is also illegal for those under the age of 18 to buy, carry, or use fireworks and under the Explosives Act of 1875 it is illegal to let off or throw a firework in a public place."