Police granted new power to tackle anti-social behaviour in Killamarsh

A dispersal order is now in place for the area surrounding Killamarsh Sports Centre, including Stanley Street and Bridge Street.

Officers and PCSOs now have the right to break up groups of two or more people who they believe could cause trouble and order them to leave the designated area for up to 48 hours.

Anyone who ignores the order could be arrested.

The dispersal power was introduced after a group of between 60 and 100 youths were reported to have gathered outside the sports centre on Tuesday night and damaged a car.

It was reported on social media that they had been waiting for a fight to take place.

Sergeant Aidan Stones, of Killamarsh Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The incident involving a large amount of youths was a rare occurrence but nevertheless we are taking it seriously.

“Anti-social behaviour of any kind – regardless of how many people are involved – will not be tolerated.

“This dispersal power gives us the power to tackle any emerging issues straight away and deal with those who may seek to cause problems within the area.

“Our aim is to make sure the Killamarsh community is safe from anti-social behaviour and we will be using the dispersal powers to achieve that.”

Officers from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire Police dealt with Tuesday’s incident, with a number of the youths involved believed to come from Sheffield.

When police arrived, the teenagers dispersed but kept meeting up in smaller groups.

One boy was detained to prevent a breach of the peace but was later released.