Have Southport folk been spared this 'offensive' campaign that's been canned by Merseyside Police?

Officers took to the streets of Wirral this weekend with a large digital advertising van carrying the message: “Being offensive is an offence” - with the campaign instantly criticised on social media for undermining free speech.

Later, the force released a statement from Superintendent Martin Earl, who said: “We would like to clarify that ‘being offensive’ is not in itself an offence.

“A message on an ad van and social media this weekend by the local policing team on the Wirral to encourage people to report hate crime, although well-intentioned, was incorrect, and we apologise for any confusion this may have caused.

“Hate crime is an offence and will not be tolerated.

"Hate crime can come in various guises that can include assault, criminal damage, verbal and written online abuse.

“Our hate crime coordinators draw on a wealth of experience and expertise to provide effective and above all sensitive and appropriate support for victims," he added.

Reported by Roger Blaxall???

Copying a press release and adding a line at the top, isn't really reporting!

Roger, if you want to be a considered a reporter, do some research as well, This 'campaign' was set up by the Wirral Local Policing team, so even before it was 'canned' it was highly unlikely to have been used in Southport anyway as, (just in case you were unaware!), Southport is in Sefton!