A dispersal order has been extended in County Durham after police were called to a series of arson attacks which caused damage to a cricket field and tennis courts.
Officers were on patrol in Burnmoor, near Chester-le-Street, over the weekend as a dispersal order was put in place by the neighbourhood inspector on Thursday night. It comes after there was an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, as well as criminal damage and a number of arson incidents.
Anyone suspected of causing anti-social behaviour in the highlighted areas will be given a dispersal order banning them from those areas. On Thursday night alone, more than 20 notices were issued by officers.
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Damage was caused to the cricket ground with fires being set on the cricket field and tennis courts. More than 40 bottles of alcohol were also seized from teenagers, while wheelie bins were set alight and firefighters were attacked when attending these incidents.
A spokesperson for Chester-le-Street Police said at the time: "The police are not here to parent YOUR children. Do you know where your children are? This is not acceptable behaviour and as a result of this, we have had to take intrusive action to try and control the anti-social behaviour in this area."
Police have since confirmed over the weekend that the dispersal order would be extended until 5pm on Monday.
A spokesperson added: "Anyone suspected of causing anti-social behaviour in the highlighted areas will be given a dispersal order banning them from those areas. If this is ignored, they will be arrested."
If you know anyone that has been responsible for any of the above incidents please get in touch via 101 quoting reference DHM-24032022-308.
