Preston Police have tonight authorised a dispersal notice in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour in the City Centre.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We have received reports of youths running around wearing balaclavas and committing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“As a result of this and recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the City Centre from the public and local businesses, Inspector Bernie Coburn has authorised a dispersal notice under Section 34 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

“Preston Police will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and we will take robust action against those responsible to protect the public and allow people to feel safe in our City Centre.”

Read more: Geek Retreat Preston closes after just eight months due to ‘sustained and severe’ anti-social behaviour

The powers allow a Constable to direct any individual to leave the specified area if they suspect them of having contributed or being likely to contribute to harassment, alarm or distress of the public, or the occurrence in the locality of crime or disorder.

The order was put in place at 5:50pm today (Thursday 24 November) and will expire at 11:59pm.

The mapped area runs east from Preston Prison, along London road, south west along Queen Street/Avenham Lane/Ribblesdale Place/East Cliffe, then along Butler Street/Corporation Street and then north east along Ringway and continuing along the A59 back to the Prison.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines