POLICE have used special powers to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour in a city park

Officers set up a dispersal order after "large groups" flocked to Riverside Park over the weekend.

One person was ordered to leave the area and two others were stopped and searched.

The order covered an area of the park from Mansbridge by the A27, through to Woodmill Lane and onto Cobden Bridge.

Daily Echo: Southern Daily Echo Camera Club photo by Paul Robinson - River Itchen and Riverside park.Southern Daily Echo Camera Club photo by Paul Robinson - River Itchen and Riverside park.

It was put in place on Saturday and expired at 5.45pm on Sunday.

The order gives officers the power to disperse groups and seize items from trouble-makers.

Meanwhile, youngsters under 16-years-old can escorted home.

Officers remained in the area to ensure the groups dispersed.

A police spokesperson said: "We know that anti-social behaviour has a negative impact on residents and those using Riverside Park and this behaviour is not acceptable.

"Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or large gatherings of people should call 101 or report it to us online.

"Any information from the public can help us build a bigger picture of what is happening, and allows us to plan accordingly."