Dispersal order issued in Southsea as 'disorderly youths' run amok

Sunny weather in the last few days has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and related forms of crime across the area.

Police said there had been an increase in the number of youths attending Borgoyne Road, Waverly Road, Highland Road, Festing Grove, Cousins Grove, Eastney Esplanade and South Parade Pier.

Police, fearing further issues, have now decided to issue a dispersal order until Friday at 1.50pm. The order came in on Wednesday at 1.50pm and will be reviewed - and could be extended.

Portsmouth police said on social media: “The fine weather over the course of the last few days in the demarked areas has seen an uplift already in the crime types and anti-social behaviour mentioned with large groups of disorderly youths responsible for number of public order incidents.

“This week we continue to have periods of fine weather again (although not as sunny today, it is still dry and warm, with temperatures increasing) and will attract groups of youths into the locality. Police will continue to place resources into the demarked areas to seek to prevent anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder.”

Police added: “The dispersal authority enables our officers to deal with any issues of ASB in the directed area more effectively, and gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time-period. Refusal to comply with the order is a criminal offence and you may be liable for arrest.”

Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour in the area should call 101 or report it online. If a crime is in progress dial 999.