Police will be able to move on groups of two or more youngsters

They allow officers to disperse groups of two or more young people who they find loitering outside after 2100 BST. The initiative aims to tackle persistent youth crime in Lockleaze, Horfield and Knowle, where criminal behaviour by youngsters is a problem.

The human rights group Liberty says the new dispersal powers are "draconian" and penalise all youths rather than the trouble-makers.

Avon and Somerset Police say the new powers - granted by the Home Office - do not amount to a curfew order and that older people who are not involved in anti-social behaviour or crime will not be approached by officers.

The powers will be used in specific areas, such as Redcatch Park in Knowle and Gainsborough Square in Lockleaze, areas where police say they have had the most calls about anti-social behaviour.

Officers' judgement

The force's anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Laura Cuckow said: "The officers on the ground will make a judgment and, obviously, if there is a group of people playing football or using Redcatch Park in the way it is meant to be used, then the police are not going to move them on. "

Under the new powers, if youths do not move on when told they can be ordered not to return to the area for up to 24 hours, or even be arrested.

"People will only be moved on if their presence in the areas has resulted or is likely to result in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed," Ms Cuckow said.