Festive powers to break up groups

Police have been granted powers to disperse groups of trouble-makers in Leeds city centre in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.

The new dispersal order allows officers to break up groups of people who are drunk or involved in anti-social behaviour.

Anyone who remains in the area once asked to leave or returns within 24 hours could be fined up to £5,000.

The move aims to tackle an increase in disorder during the festive period.

West Yorkshire Police said the order would remain in place until 31 January.

Insp Mark Jessop said: "Leeds is a safe city where people can enjoy nights out, and one of the mean reasons for this is the work our officers and partner agencies do here to ensure we don't have major issues with violence and disorder.

"But there has traditionally been a rise in incidents of anti-social behaviour and other crimes in the run-up to the festive period.

"Introducing a dispersal order is just one of the many ways we intend to tackle any issues in the city centre before they become bigger problems and spoil people's enjoyment of our city."