WILTSHIRE Police has issued a dispersal order in Trowbridge town centre following an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour.

The force says this order, covers the whole of Trowbridge town centre, including the areas of Trowbridge Park, Biss Meadows and Tesco Superstore, will run until 3pm on Saturday.

The order has been made under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and gives officers the power to order people causing anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

Inspector Andy Fee, Sector Inspector for the West Wiltshire Community Policing Team, said: "Due to an increase in reported incidents of ASB, we want to reassure our local community, that we will not tolerate antisocial behaviour within our public spaces.

"This order has been put in place, to reduce alarm and distress to local residents and businesses."

When the order began at 3pm on Thursday, a 16-year-old boy was issued with a dispersal notice before 5pm, however he became abusive and was subsequently arrested and charged with Section 5 Public Order.

A dispersal order gives police the power to disperse groups of two or more people in any public place if their presence 'has resulted, or is likely to result, in any members of the public being intimidated, harassed, alarmed or distressed'.

To report an incident, call 101. In an emergency, call 999.