Southsea and Old Portsmouth dispersal order sees no arrests over the weekend

Officers last week had powers to move on anyone causing trouble from a large area of coastline from the Hot Walls along to Eastney.

The order was imposed from midday last Thursday and ran out on Sunday.

It was put in after scenes of violence and disorder at Southsea Common and Old Portsmouth.

There were two arrests on Thursday and Friday, but none on Saturday or Sunday.

There had been five arrests on Wednesday, a day before the order came into force.

It gave police powers to remove anyone from the area for 24 hours. Failing to do so could have been a crime.

There had been calls to give young people things to do, with many pointing to lockdown and the good weather as a catalyst for trouble.

Wind and rain brought an end to the hot spell on Saturday.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: ‘We’d like to thank the public who continue to support the work we are doing to ensure a safe environment in Old Portsmouth.

‘We will of course take action to deal with anyone intent on causing anti-social behaviour and engaging in violence in the future.’

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