Police extend dispersal order in city suburb

A dispersal order issued by police in response to reports of anti-social behaviour in part of Nottingham has been extended.

Nottinghamshire Police said it first received reports of large groups of young people causing issues in Southglade Park, Bestwood, during the Bank Holiday weekend - and issued a dispersal order on Tuesday when it continued.

The force said it had received reports of people fighting, setting small fires, abusing shop staff, riding bikes in front of moving vehicles and intimidating behaviour.

The order, which gives officers enhanced powers to move on groups they suspect may be about to be involved in nuisance behaviour, is now in place until 07:00 BST on Saturday.

Using the additional powers provided by the order, officers said they managed to disperse groups while issuing Section 35 orders to four juveniles, the youngest believed to be 11, who were returned to their homes by police.

Police said anyone who breached the order would be dispersed from the area, have their details taken by police and risk further action being taken by the city council and partner agencies.

It added where children were involved, they would be accompanied home by officers and their parents notified.

Sgt Rose Barton said: "Our neighbourhood policing team has received a stream of separate reports of anti-social behaviour in and around Southglade Park in recent days.

"While we're aware the mixture of the warm weather, Bank Holiday weekend and half term will, quite rightly, lead to young people wanting to hang out with their friends, there is a point where a line is crossed.

"That has now taken place, with the numerous reports of anti-social behaviour severely impacting on the local community, which has prompted us to make the decision to issue this dispersal order and then extend it for longer.

"The behaviour that has been reported to us is not just harmless fun but is instead completely unacceptable and has caused understandable distress locally and needs to stop."

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