Police impose dispersal order at shopping centre

Police have been granted extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex.

The dispersal order, which allows officers to break up groups of concern, will be in place for 48 hours from 12:00 BST later.

It covers the area enclosed by Arterial Road, West Thurrock Way and the A126 in Grays, including the retail centre and Chafford Hundred railway station.

Insp Christopher Hay, of Essex Police, said there was "no excuse" for those visiting Lakeside to intimidate others.

He added: "My officers and I are working closely with the security teams at the centre, as well as schools, to ensure everyone can enjoy visiting Lakeside this weekend."

Offenders who fail to comply with a dispersal order can be sentenced to up to three months in prison or fined, according to the Sentencing Council.

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