A DISPERSAL order has been put in place in Basildon town centre.

The order has been put in place following concerns about anti-social behaviour in and around the town centre over the past few days, which has caused members of the community alarm and distress. 

The order will end at 3pm tomorrow afternoon, Sunday February 23. 

Inspector Garry Hills from Basildon's local policing team, said: "We've received eight reports of anti-social behaviour over the past few days and have recorded a total of 12 incidents since the start of February.

"We want to ensure this behaviour doesn't continue, which is why we have taken the decision to put a dispersal order in place. 

"If a group is gathered in the dispersal zone and they are involved in anti-social behaviour, or are causing problems or trouble for other people, then our officers have the power to order them to leave the area. 

"Breaching any direction given under the order is a criminal offence. 

"If you are in the area and are not behaving in a way that could intimidate or upset anyone else, then the dispersal order will not affect you. 

"Please continue to report any incidents of anti-social or nuisance behaviour to an officer or by calling the Basildon Community Policing Team on 101.

"In an emergency always dial 999." 

The map outlines the area covered by the dispersal order.