(Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
A third dispersal order has been imposed in a North East town after large groups of young people caused chaos in a town park and threw objects at police.
The order came into force at 1pm today (Sunday, October 4), covering Ward Jackson Park and surrounding areas.
Officers dealt with several incidents involving large groups of young people in the park on Saturday night.
The third dispersal order (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
Police said members of the public faced abusive and threatening behaviour before officers were pelted with objects.
The order follows a series of incidents in Hartlepool's parks in recent days.
On Saturday night, about 100 young people gathered in Ward Jackson Park, where fireworks were being set off and eggs were thrown at police when officers arrived.
Police moved the group on, but it then tried to enter Rossmere Park, which was already under a dispersal order.
The dispersal order came into force at 3pm today, Saturday, October 3, following reports of anti-social behaviour in and around Bishop Cuthbert Park. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
Police have also reported criminal damage including graffiti in the town's parks.
A separate dispersal order was brought in around Bishop Cuthbert Park after reports of young people gathering for a suspected pre-planned fight, with fireworks launched towards residential properties and in the direction of a care home.
The second dispersal order (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
Hartlepool Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack said: “Sadly we're having to bring in another dispersal order for a park in our town but we’ve had no option since the behaviour of these large groups of young people is leaving the law abiding public - who just want to enjoy their local green space - feeling intimidated and unsafe.
“Last night we also saw direct hostility towards officers who were simply doing their job; we cannot and will not let this go unchallenged.
“Cleveland Police and partner agencies continue to work on longer-term problem-solving measures which include engagement with young people through education providers, parents and carers but these interventions need time to achieve the desired results.
“Dispersal orders, however, allow us to take immediate action so we can protect the public, support our frontline officers and maintain public safety for all.”
Thermal footage taken above the Bishop Cuthbert park area on Friday night shows just some of the dozens of young people present, as well as fireworks being thrown around in the park and near a busy road. (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
READ MORE:
- About 100 youngsters pelted police with eggs and set off fireworks in North East park
- Police issue dispersal order after youths gather for fight and aim fireworks at homes
- 'Unacceptable behaviour' by youths in town leads to second dispersal order imposed
The orders let officers immediately direct anyone involved in, or suspected of becoming involved in, antisocial behaviour away from the designated area.
Anyone who returns could be arrested.
The Ward Jackson Park dispersal area covers Hart Lane, Wooler Road, Summerhill Lane, all of Summerhill Park, the footpath to Valley Drive, Valley Drive, West Park and Dunston Road.
The order covering Bishop Cuthbert Park was in force for 48 hours.