Nine teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following an incident in Cwmbran.
Gwent Police said officers received multiple calls from the public reporting a group of youths armed with weapons in the Wern Road area of the town at about 3pm on Sunday.
Armed officers attended the scene as a precautionary measure and a baseball bat and metal bars were recovered.
The force said those arrested remain in police custody and no injuries have been reported.
A spokesperson said a 24-hour dispersal order has been issued for Cwmbran town centre.
The order covers Cwmbran town shopping centre and Cwmbran Retail Park and will be in place until 5.15pm on Monday.
The order gives officers extra powers to direct such groups to leave the area if their behaviour is likely to contribute to disorder or cause harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public. Individuals face being arrested if they return to the area after being moved, a spokesperson said.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hobrough said: “This appears to be an isolated incident involving local youths. We have made a number of arrests and officers will be maintaining a visible presence in the area this evening to provide reassurance.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated by Gwent Police and we will take action against anyone intent on causing harm in our communities.
“We’d ask that parents ensure they know where their children are at all times, particularly while the dispersal order is in effect.”
