Dispersal order in place to tackle street racing

It will apply in areas including Reginald Mitchell Way in Sandyford

A dispersal order will come into force in part of Stoke-on-Trent, following street racing and anti-social behaviour.

It would apply in areas including Reginald Mitchell Way in Sandyford from 19:00 BST on Saturday until Monday at 06:00 BST, Staffordshire Police said.

The order gives officers power to disperse anyone "for the purpose of or reducing the likelihood of" people being "harassed, alarmed, distressed or the occurrence of crime and disorder".

Failing to comply with an order is a criminal offence and police can return anyone under the age of 16 to their home address.

As part of the powers, the force can issue the notices for a period of up to 48 hours and anyone found breaching a notice is liable to be arrested and face further action.

The order, which relates to areas including side roads "off the A527 Chatterley Road and Marlborough Way", will enable police to seize vehicles they believe to be involved in anti-social behaviour.

It was granted under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

'At risk of serious injury'

Insp Victoria Ison, of the Stoke North local policing team, said officers would increase efforts to tackle any instances of crime or anti-social behaviour, after recent issues of street racing and an increase in calls from concerned residents.

She added the minority who "feel that they can use roads as race tracks or car parks as performance areas will be dealt with accordingly".

Insp Ison stated: "Dangerous driving and anti-social meets can cause a great deal of disruption to local communities and can put motorists at risk of serious injury.

"Those found driving carelessly or dangerously, causing unnecessary noise nuisance or acting in an anti-social manner, could see action taken against them in the form of warnings and vehicle seizure, fixed penalty tickets, summons to court and possible arrest."