Dispersal order for town centre after disorder

A dispersal order is in place in Swindon town centre after repeated reports of anti-social behaviour.

Wiltshire Police said multiple reports were received on Friday about young people "causing alarm and distress" to members of the public and shop staff near the Brunel Shopping Centre.

Youths were reportedly fighting, making threats to security guards and causing criminal damage to doors and benches. An elderly shopper was also pushed, police said.

Officers put the section 35 dispersal order in place until midnight on Friday and said that further dispersal orders would be put in place over the weekend.

The order gives additional powers to officers who can order people to leave the area if they cause, or are likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress.

Police said those who failed to leave when asked, or returned to the area within 48 hours after being dispersed, would be arrested.

Swindon Inspector David Tippetts said: "This anti-social behaviour around the Brunel Centre in recent days has caused significant distress for workers, shoppers and residents alike.

"As a result, we are enacting these dispersal orders as a measure to target those causing disorder in the specified area.

"Anybody found to be involved in anti-social behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and robustly."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.