Dispersal order issued over Lincoln protest fears

Some businesses have boarded up their windows including this salon in the Carlton Centre

A dispersal order has been issued for a part of Lincoln as police prepare "to prevent disorder".

Lincolnshire Police said the Section 34 order, which came in to force at 12:00 GMT, covers a 1,640ft (500-metre) area around Carlton Boulevard and would remain in place until noon on Thursday.

It followed "speculation suggesting a planned protest" at the Carlton Centre.

Messages on social media had claimed that the centre housed the premises of an immigration lawyer, but the force confirmed that "no such physical business exists at this location".

The dispersal order covers a 500-metre radius from the Carlton Boulevard

'Enhanced patrols'

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said the dispersal order would "enable our officers to remove people where necessary to prevent disorder and to reduce disruption in the area".

"We will also be conducting enhanced patrols in the area today to provide some reassurance to the public," they added.

Some businesses in the area decided to close early and have boarded up their windows.

The order comes amid concerns about the potential for further disorder around the country later.

Police sources have said that officers are preparing to respond to possible events in 41 of the 43 force areas in England and Wales.

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