Police carried out a number of stop and searches in the New Hall Lane area last night after reports of youths setting off fireworks.

The action taken on Wednesday 26 May was part of a Section 34 Dispersal Order, which allowed police to direct anyone thought to be involved in the disorder to leave the area and not return.

The order was in place until 3am today (Thursday 27 May) within the area bordered by London Road, Ribbleton Lane, Blackpool Road, the A59 and the River Ribble.

A spokesperson for Preston Police said: “This follows incidents of disorder where Police have received several calls from the public regarding juveniles setting off fireworks in the area. A number of stop and searches have been carried out and individuals dispersed from the area with direction to not return.

“The dispersal order empowers police offices to direct individuals to leave a specified area if they reasonably believe that their presence would contribute to the harassment, alarm or distress of members of the public, or would contribute to the occurrence of crime or disorder.

“The order is in place to prevent crime and disorder and also to keep you safe and feeling safe. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers.”

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