AS part of Essex Police's campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour, a dispersal order was implemented in Basildon on Saturday (16 July).

A statement from the force said: "This was following information we'd received yesterday morning about a large car meet taking place. By 5pm, officers had enforced a dispersal order in specific areas of Basildon including Festival Leisure Park. We also engaged with those involved in this meet, to make it clear what the terms of this order were.

"The order was put in place to stop the public feeling distressed or alarmed. This power gives our officers the power to move people away from the area. If they don't comply or return to that area within a certain time, they can be arrested.

"No arrests were made. We did respond to a large car meet in Southend but this was quickly dispersed and no arrests were made."

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Hampson said "We respond to reports of car meets such as these on a semi-regular basis. Whilst they are not illegal, they can be intimidating to local residents and road users.

"I'm thankful that the team were able to implement this dispersal order so quickly, meaning that residents in Basildon were undisturbed by a car meet and could enjoy their Saturday evenings."