Dispersal order to tackle Aberdeen youths in Torry

Police have introduced a dispersal order in part of the Torry area of Aberdeen in a bid to cut anti-social behaviour by "mindless" youths.

Grampian Police said it followed complaints about a core group of youths in the Finnan Place, North Balnagask Road and Provost Hogg Court area.

Noise, vandalism, under-age drinking and assaults have been reported.

Offenders can be banned from the area for 24 hours, with fines or custody for those breaking the terms of the order.

The dispersal will run for up to three months, with the powers in place between 1600 GMT and 0100 GMT.

Ch Supt Adrian Watson said: "The mindless and irresponsible actions of this particular group of youths has had a huge impact on the quality of life for residents in the area.

"It is important to stress that this is not about stigmatizing particular areas or our youth in the city, far from it.

"This is about a group of around 20 people who simply cannot be allowed to continually commit acts of anti-social behaviour, showing utter disregard for the residents of the area."

Similar steps were used in 2005 at the city's Beach Boulevard.