FOLLOWING information that young people may be planning to converge on Lakeside this afternoon and evening (Friday 17 July) as the school year comes to a close, police have issued a dispersal order.

Several schools across the region have already shared information with parents about the potential for disorder from young people.

The dispersal order is in place across Lakeside Shopping Centre and the surrounding area from 12pm today to help officers prevent anti-social behaviour.

Police will have the power to disperse groups where they are concerned the public may be harassed, alarmed or distressed, or if they think crime will occur. The order remains in place until 12pm Sunday. 19 July.

The order covers Lakeside and the area enclosed by the Arterial Road West Thurrock, West Thurrock Way and the A126, as well as Chafford Hundred train station and its surrounding roads.

Inspector Christopher Hay said: "We know how strongly our communities feel about anti-social behaviour, which is why we're exercising these powers this weekend.

"We regularly see the numbers of young people visiting Lakeside increase during school holidays, and we expect the start of the summer holidays to follow the same pattern.

"I want to make it clear – there is no excuse for those visiting to intimidate others, behave anti-socially, or commit crime.

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"My officers and I are working closely with the security teams at the centre, as well as schools, to ensure everyone can enjoy visiting Lakeside this weekend."