Abusive groups of young people to be dispersed

Young people behaving antisocially will be dispersed in Lichfield this weekend under heightened police powers.

Staffordshire Police said they had issued a dispersal order in the city in response to an increase in large groups gathering, being abusive and causing disruption.

The order will last from 15:00 GMT on Friday until 15:00 on Sunday, the force said, and will give officers the power to move on anyone harassing or alarming members of the public.

Police added further reports of cannabis use, disorder and criminal damage were being investigated, alongside the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and off-road bikes.

Anyone who did not comply with the dispersal order would be committing a criminal offence, the force said, adding officers could return anyone under 16 home.

Insp Melissa Byrne said antisocial and criminal behaviour was affecting local people and businesses.

"We're using all of the tools at our disposal to act on these concerns and to put a stop to those persistently causing fear and alarm in our communities," she said.

She urged parents and guardians to let young people know about the order and explain the consequences of persistent antisocial behaviour .

The force previously put a dispersal order in place in the city in October.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.