Residents in Liverpool city centre have reported feeling intimidated by large groups of youths gathering in popular areas such as Liverpool ONE and Chavasse Park.
Locals say they have witnessed drug dealing and experienced being spat at, kicked and verbally abused by these groups.
The reports have prompted Merseyside Police to implement crime prevention orders for this weekend following issues over the previous two weekends.
One city centre resident, who asked not to be named, described the escalating situation he has witnessed from his window.
Residents in Liverpool city centre have reported feeling intimidated by large groups of youths gathering in popular areas such as Liverpool ONE and Chavasse Park
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"The problem has come on generally over the last month and a half or so and has been getting progressively worse," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"It starts with the forming of a big group of youths, normally around the top of the steps in Liverpool ONE. We have seen quite a lot of what looks like drug dealing taking place. The police will patrol, but when they go away, the big group builds up again."
Liverpool City Centre neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward acknowledged the issue.
He said: "There have been recent incidents of groups of young people gathering in areas of Liverpool city centre including Chavasse Park. Many have stayed out of trouble socialising with their friends, but some have been involved in anti-social behaviour, threats and intimidation.
Residents have expressed their outrage at the situation
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He added: "We have also responded to reports of fighting between groups. This issue is a top priority for our team."
Residents have expressed their outrage at the situation.
Vicky Louise Bloor said: "It's awful. Gangs of kids causing chaos? People getting kicked, spat at? It's getting out of hand."
Catherine Noon commented: "Also the abuse and threatening behaviour to staff members is disgusting."
The reports have prompted Merseyside Police to implement crime prevention orders for this weekend following issues over the previous two weekends
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Another local, Alison Parsons, was equally dismayed.
She wrote: "What an absolute disgrace."
A spokesman for Liverpool ONE responded to the concerns, they said: "We work very closely with Merseyside Police and any form of anti-social behaviour is something we take extremely seriously.
"We have extensive CCTV coverage, and our number one priority is to always ensure a safe environment and a destination visitors can enjoy. We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and will continue to gather evidence to assist the police in identifying suspects and bringing them to justice."
