Dispersal order issued after anti-social behaviour

The dispersal order allows officers to stop groups gathering in Boston town centre

Police have introduced restrictions in a Lincolnshire town after an increase in anti-social behaviour.

A dispersal order and additional powers to stop and search people have been issued for an area around the centre of Boston, police said.

The measures mean officers can stop people gathering together and also exclude individuals from the area for 24 hours.

Lincolnshire Police said it had acted on rumours of a planned protest in the town, but later clarified: "We confirm there is no planned protest".

The force said there had been "several cases of anti-social behaviour causing significant concern for the community".

Ch Insp Richard Nethercott said anybody who felt unsafe or noticed anything suspicious should contact police.

“Our officers will be patrolling the area and will deal with anyone behaving in an antisocial manner robustly," he said.

"We would like to thank the majority of our community for their continued cooperation and support."

The order is in force until 13:45 BST on Thursday.

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