Extra poWerS

A dispersal order gives officers the powers to direct a person, or persons, who has committed, or is likely to commit, anti-social behaviour away from a specified area and order them not return for a certain period of up to 48 hours.

A police spokesman said of the incidents in Stanhope: “The order was implemented over the weekend as an extra measure to help officers deal with anti-social behaviour.

“It follows a number of calls about nuisance youths, particularly last Wednesday night. Some callers mentioned that some of the youths were carrying fence posts.”

They added: “Police are investigating a disturbance outside Stanhope Mini Market last Wednesday night when a 40-year-old man was reportedly assaulted by a large group of teenagers.

“Earlier that evening the man had confronted some teenagers who had trespassed into his garden and were bouncing on his children’s trampoline.