MERSEYSIDE police have seized class drugs and alcohol from people drinking in the street and dispersed youths in Birkenhead.

Officers say they conducted 41 stop search searches during increased patrols in the town centre today.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said:"During our increased patrols in Birkenhead town centre we have seized alcohol from people drinking in the street, conducted 41 stop searches and seized class A drugs, dispersed many youths under 3 dispersal zones and seized electric bikes used anti socially."

Their efforts have been praised by residents on social media.

In the past 6 weeks local policing teams have conducted increased patrols in Birkenhead town centre due to issues of anti social behaviour and reports of youths on bikes.

Police officers have been on patrol in plain clothes and uniform. Police have arrested 16 people for a number of offences.