Tough measures remain in place to deal with unruly behaviour in Old Portsmouth and Southsea
Dispersal order remains in place in Old Portsmouth and Southsea amid large gatherings
Tough measures to deal with anti-social behaviour in much of Southsea and Old Portsmouth remain in place for the final day of the bank holiday weekend.
The dispersal order gives Hampshire Police the power to force people to move on from an area or face being arrested having been in place since Friday evening and has been extended until 5pm on Tuesday, May 26 amid large gatherings of people and unruly behaviour.
As previously reported by The News, there were large gatherings of over 150 young people at the Hotwalls on both Friday and Saturday which resulted in "aggressive and intimidating" behaviour from some.
Chief Inspector Sam Warne said: “The vast majority (of people) were well behaved and simply enjoying the warm weather. However, a small number of them engaged in anti-social and criminal behaviour, requiring dispersal powers to be implemented.
“During these times, the atmosphere quickly escalated and a large number of individuals surrounding officers and police vehicles, with some attempting to force open the police car doors. This behaviour was aggressive and intimidating and additional units were called.
“We also identified that a large proportion of those present were consuming alcohol, with many clearly intoxicated. This is not only an offence but places young people at increased risk of harm and vulnerability, including becoming victims of crime.