A DISPERSAL order has been authorised for the villages of Bransgore and Thorney Hill.

The order is under section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is in place between 10.28am today (Monday, March 6) and 10.28am on Wednesday, March 8.

Read more: Mini crashes into town centre cafe

The dispersal order comes after an increase in anti-social behaviour and offending which includes criminal damage where slingshots have been used to fire ball bearings.

Inspector Darren Ord said: “We are aware that there is a great deal of local concern following these incidents, and we want to assure our communities that we will be robust and proactive in dealing with these issues.

“We know it is only a small number of people involved in this behaviour, but even so the impacts are far-reaching and have a negative impact on the lives of local residents.

“Our officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols for reassurance as well as disruption. If you have witnessed or been affected by this behaviour, please continue to report it to us so we can target our patrols and take further proactive action.”

Read more: Downton Distillery awarded gold medals

The order enables police officers to order a person to leave the area with no return permitted within the time specified. Those who refuse to follow the order will be committing a criminal offence and liable for arrest.

Individuals aged under 16 will be taken to their home addresses and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Police request those with information about a crime or anti-social behaviour in these areas to phone 101 or submit information using the online reporting tool.

Those who witness a crime taking place should phone 999.