THUGS suspected of being involved in riots on Merseyside were rounded up and arrested as police continued their crackdown on offenders over the weekend.

Last night, a total of 174 people had been arrested since the disturbances last week, with 86 of these subsequently charged.

A total of 19 people have already been convicted in connection with the disorder and Merseyside’s courts were preparing for another busy week ahead dealing with a large volume of cases.

The offences the accused face are wide-ranging, from low level public order and breaching of the peace through to possession of offensive weapons, aggravated vehicle taking and burglary.

The youngest people charged are four 14-year-old boys, whereas the oldest person arrested has been 50, according to Merseyside Police.

Friday night saw 17 arrests, including 16 men and one woman.

A police spokesman said there were no incidents of disorder that night, and added: “A high police presence was maintained and officers continued to proactively stop people acting suspiciously to disrupt any potential criminality.

“Seventeen arrests were made as part of this operation for various offences, including one for an offence of violent disorder relating to the disturbances at the beginning of the week.

“The other offences include theft, possession of an offensive weapon and going equipped for theft.”

On Saturday night, police again confirmed there were no incidents of violent disorder as they made 35 arrests.

These included the execution of warrants on two addresses on Toxteth, one in Wavertree and one in Garston.

A spokesman said: “A 46-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were arrested at the Garston address on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and a large quantity of cash, clothing and a quantity of Class A and B drugs were recovered.

“A substantial amount of cash and clothing was recovered from the Wavertree address, and clothing was recovered from one of the Toxteth addresses.”

Two people were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences, 13 for drug possession, six for drug possession with intent to supply, six for being drunk and disorderly, three for affray, two for public order offences, one for criminal damage, one for burglary and one for breach of the peace.

Merseyside Police say they will continue to investigate the events of last Monday and Tuesday night, which saw the worst of the disturbances, and officers are studying CCTV to identify offenders with the hope of making more arrests and bringing more convictions against the perpetrators.

Merseyside Police thanked the public for their continued support, and urge anyone with information relating to the disorder to contact the investigation team on 0151 709 6010 or email disorderinvestigation@merseyside.police.uk

Alternatively, people who want to help anonymously can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.