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Steven Gerrard's wife has come under fire from Merseysiders after saying she doesn't go out in Liverpool any more because it's too 'rough'.

26-year-old Alex Curran told told new! magazine: "It's the not same any more. To be honest it's rough.

"Everywhere new that opens attracts the wrong type of people.

"It's not nice, so I haven't bothered to go out."

Her comments come after her husband was cleared of affray last week at a Mersyside nightspot.

The Liverpool captain admitted punching a man in a drunken row over music, but said it was in self-defence.

The WAG has been a regular at opening parties, bars and clubs around Liverpool.

But more recently the couple have been photographed shopping and dining in London.

Police and council chiefs have hit back saying Liverpool is getting safer, and is one of the top four UK city destinations.

'Friendly people'

Newsbeat has had a huge response from locals.

Tony from Liverpool said: "Going out is safe if you know where to go, but you have to have your guard up at times. The towny mentality is popular."

Nadia from the Wirral said: "Liverpudlians are the nicest and friendliest type of people, and it has a far lower crime rate than Manchester and London."

And Luke from Cardiff said: "I lived in Liverpool for four years, best city I've ever been to. Not one bit of trouble the entire time, the people are really friendly."

Some agree with Curran though, like Jay who said: "I have lived in Liverpool for my whole life. It really is attracting the wrong people and is rough. There's a lot of good people here but an increasing number of idiots and scallys."

And Claire adds: "As a fellow scouser I agree, Liverpool is the pits. But at least with their millions they can lead a better life regardless. So she shouldn't moan."

But her comments have angered others, like Mike from Southport who said: "Alex is right, it does attract the wrong sort of people - people like her!"

While Michaela adds: "Alex Curran gives Liverpool a bad name. She shouldn't have a bad word to say about the city as it's Liverpool Football Club that keep her in handbags!"