POLICE have issued a dispersal order for a second Teesside town after incidents of antisocial behaviour and crime in the last week.

The order covers the area of central Hartlepool including the A179 towards the marina and Maritime Avenue and across to Victoria Terrace surrounded by the A178 and A689.

This is known locally as the Fayre Ground at the marina, close to the town, rail station, Vue Cinema, Mecca Bingo and other commercial outlets.

It follows a similar order issued in Stockton and enables police to disperse large groups of youths for a period of 48-hours and refusal risks arrest.

Officers have also invoked legislation allowing them to search people and vehicles for items such as weapons without further grounds.

Inspector Matt Reeves said: “We have seen incidents of antisocial behaviour and serious violence in the town this week.

"We are committed to ensuring that Hartlepool is a safe place to live and work and any antisocial behaviour or criminal activity will not be tolerated.

“We want to reassure people that we are taking decisive action to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime across the town, including the introduction of the extended search powers, the dispersal orders and additional officers to increase the police presence in Hartlepool.”