Dispersal order issued ahead of Bonfire Night

The Section 35 order covers Harpenden town centre and Rothamsted Park

Police have issued a three-day dispersal order in a Hertfordshire town to prevent anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Bonfire Night following reports of fireworks being thrown at members of the public.

The Section 35 order, covering Harpenden town centre and Rothamsted Park, came into effect at 13:00 GMT on 5 November.

Hertfordshire Police officers, both in uniform and plain clothes, will be patrolling the area throughout the period.

Under the order, anyone who refuses to leave the designated zone when directed could be arrested.

Under the order, officers can direct people to leave the designated zone immediately

The move follows eight reports of anti-social behaviour on Halloween night on Friday, including six incidents involving fireworks being thrown in the same areas.

Insp Paul Caro from the St Albans district neighbourhood team said "this is dangerous and completely unacceptable".

"The orders are being put in place to help protect residents and their families from the small minority of people who use tonight as an excuse to commit crime and disorder," he said.

Officers have been working locally to raise awareness and encourage responsible behaviour ahead of Bonfire Night.

"We've been liaising with local schools, supermarkets and businesses to pass on advice in the run-up to the day and are urging parents and guardians to ensure they know where their children are," Insp Caro said.

Police urged members of the public to report any criminal activity by calling 999.

Anyone under 16 who fails to leave the specified areas when directed by police can be taken home to their parents or guardians.