Bolton police given extra powers as schools sets to break up

A dispersal order has been put in place from Moor Lane to Bradshawgate and from Trinity Street to St George's Road. 

It comes as officers are expecting an "increase" in gatherings following the end of the school year. 

The dispersal order, which will be in place until midnight, is under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014. 

It allows police officers and PCSOs to direct a person to leave the area and not return for the time specified. 

A spokesperson for GMP's Bolton South Neighbourhood Team said: "Inspector Maddocks of Bolton South Neighbourhood team has been working with partner agencies to develop an appropriate response to the likely increase in gatherings in Bolton town centre following the end of the school year.

The area of the order (Image: GMP)

"A dispersal order has been authorised to ensure that all visitors to the town centre get to enjoy the experience without experiencing anti-social behaviour or disorder. 

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"Neighbourhood officers and partner agencies will be deployed to the town centre to engage with visitors.

"Powers afforded to officers under this order will only be utilised where necessary.

"The order has been authorised in order to avoid large groups gathering and engaging in anti-social behaviour. It will remain in place until midnight tonight." 

This comes after another dispersal order was put in place in the same area in March for four nights in a row. 

It was under the same statute, allowing police to move on anyone engaging in antisocial behaviour.