Dispersal order extended over anti-social behaviour

A dispersal order put in place to deter anti-social behaviour in a town in Kent has been extended, while police have been granted similar powers in a neighbouring area.

An order issued in Broadstairs started at 16:30 BST on Friday and was due to finish at 16:30 on Saturday, but will remain in place until Sunday afternoon.

A separate 48-hour order has been introduced in Margate amid ongoing concerns relating to issues caused by a small minority of young people in some public areas, police said.

The dispersal orders, which grant officers additional powers to instruct people to leave specific areas, cover the town centres, as well as the seafronts and surrounding streets.

While in place, officers also have additional powers to stop and search individuals without reasonable grounds.

Anyone dispersed from the area during this period risks being arrested, should they return.

Police said issues in the towns included under-age street drinking, fighting and reports of aggressive behaviour towards staff at shops.

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