The event will bring together law enforcement agencies from the European Union, Turkey and the Balkans.

It aims to bring police and security officials together with Interpol and Europol to discuss strategies for tackling international crime.

At a series of seminars, delegates will discuss the development of techniques in tackling niche areas of organised crime, including money laundering, gun crime, human trafficking, hi-tech crime and counterfeiting.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police, which is hosting the event at Liverpool Arena, said: "This inaugural conference is promoting the use of targeted and co-ordinated multi-agency action to destroy the capability of criminals and take the profit out of crime.

"It places the emphasis on working together to combat serious and organised crime in Europe and has attracted senior leaders and decision-makers from across the Continent."

The first speaker will be Bill Hughes, head of the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca). Later, Jacqui Smith will make the keynote address, entitled The UK's Role in Tackling European-wide Crime.

Sir Ian's speech, Towards a Safer Europe, is expected on Tuesday evening and finally Jon Murphy, head of the Home Office's Gun Crime Task Force, will talk about fighting crime at the local level.

The majority of seminars during the three-day event take place behind closed doors.

Speakers will include Joaquim Nunes De Almeida, from the European Commission's Security Office, and Brian Minihane, director of police support at Interpol.