Dispersal order in place to tackle car cruising

Essex Police said it was aware of organisers promoting reckless behaviour on the roads

Police are due to enforce a dispersal order to prevent what they described as "reckless and illegal activity" from a planned car cruise event.

Essex Police said the order would run from 17:00 GMT on Friday to 06:00 on Sunday in Braintree.

Key stretches include the A131 and A120 as well as all of Braintree and Witham towns.

Insp Phil Jackson said: "We never use these powers lightly but reckless and dangerous behaviour from drivers who are part of such events will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."

The order means any group of people suspected of causing anti-social and dangerous behaviour can be directed to leave the designated area by police or face being arrested.

Insp Jackson said he was aware of organisers promoting "reckless" behaviour "on our roads".

Essex Police said the dispersal order would affect the southern part of the Braintree district, including Witham