HAMPSHIRE police has launched a dispersal order today in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour in part of Test Valley.

The dispersal order was granted for the Knightwood area of Valley Park, which kicked off at 2pm today.

It is expected to last until 1.59pm on Sunday (October 11).

This comes after police officers received reports from residents concerning anti-social behaviour in the area.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "Our officers will continue to monitor this area as part of their routine patrols during this time.

"Any individual not adhering to the dispersal order may be ordered to leave the area by officers."

They added: "The order can be reinstated at any time, without delay, on the authority of an inspector if it is deemed necessary and justified."

Dispersal powers can be used by police under section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This gives PCs and PSCOs in uniform the power to exclude a person from an area for a period of up to 48 hours with an inspector’s authority.