A DISPERSAL order has been brought in by police in Winchester city centre this weekend after a PCSO was assaulted.
The order gives police officers the power to move people who are committing anti-social behaviour.
If they do not move, or return, then they will be arrested.
It also gives police the power to seize items used in anti-social behaviour.
The move comes after a PCSO was assaulted in Abbey Gardens on Friday evening after they detained a man for theft.
READ MORE: Two arrested after PCSO is assaulted in Winchester city centre
A statement on the Winchester Police Facebook page said: "In response to an incident in Winchester City Centre whereby one of our PCSOs was assaulted, a Section 35 Dispersal Order has been authorised by a local inspector.
"This order gives officers the power to make those involved in anti-social behaviour leave the area of Winchester City Centre for up to 48 hours, if they fail to comply with this they will be arrested. The order also gives officers the power to seize anything used for antisocial behaviour. The dispersal order is now in place and will be active until Sunday evening.
"Officers will be out and about across the weekend, if you have any questions or concerns please speak to officers if you see them.
"You can report any information about anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood online via the Hampshire Constabulary website or by calling 101."
READ ALSO: Drinkers' wall removed and replaced with fencing at Kings Walk, Winchester
These latest events follow a spate of anti-social behaviour in the city centre to do with drinking, drug taking, criminal damage and shoplifting.
Some have claimed the issue stems from the removal of a 'drinkers' wall' at Kings Walk, which the council replaced with a fence in a bid to make the area nicer.
People such as former councillor Ian Tait have publicly stated they believe this has moved the anti-social behaviour, dispersing it across other parts of the city, instead of solving it.
SEE ALSO: 'Kings Walk fencing has simply displaced anti-social drinkers'
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