Police action on youth gatherings

Police are clamping down on youth gatherings in an area of Middlesbrough plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Cleveland Police said the three-month dispersal order, in the Gresham area of the town, followed complaints of intimidation from residents.

Officers will have powers to disperse groups larger than two from 28 August.

The areas affected are Union Street, Borough Road, Diamond Road, Princes Road, Gresham Road, Finsbury Street and Parliament Road.

A Cleveland force spokesman said: "We have received a great deal of complaints about gangs of youths roaming the streets, drinking alcohol and getting involved in low level crime. "Young people need to be aware that we will not tolerate any form of anti-social or criminal behaviour and we are working closely with the community to help eliminate this.

"Youths who are congregating in the area will instead be encouraged to partake in community activities including youth clubs to get them off the streets."