Dispersal order issued over anti-social behaviour

Three teenagers were arrested on Good Friday in Workington

A dispersal order has been issued over anti-social behaviour involving youths after a traditional Easter football event.

Police were called to Washington Square Shopping Centre in Workington, west Cumbria, after the Good Friday match of Uppies and Downies.

One 14-year-old girl was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after she kicked two officers and spat at another, while two boys, aged 13 and 15, were arrested for affray following a fight.

Cumbria Police said although the match ran smoothly the arrests had "overshadowed" the game.

Ch Supt Matt Kennerley said: "It is disappointing that we have seen a traditional community event impacted by the poor behaviour of a small number of people."

The dispersal order means police can remove people from the area and they can be arrested if they return.

The Uppies and Downies series is a traditional mass football game played around Workington and draws huge crowds of spectators.

'No excuse'

The first game of the Easter series was played on Good Friday, with the second to be played on Tuesday evening and the last on Saturday.

Parents are being urged to speak to their children ahead of the games.

Police said there was "no excuse" for the behaviour and extra officers would be deployed so they can respond to incidents.

Ch Supt Kennerley added: “We are asking parents and carers to speak to young people who intend on attending the event about the impact of their behaviour, the consequences if they engage in criminal behaviour and make sure they are aware of the safety advice."