A Section 34 dispersal order has been authorised for the Riverside Park area of Southampton following reports that a large group of young people had been seen in the area holding potential weapons this afternoon (Thursday 6 February).

We were called shortly after 3pm to reports that the group had been seen in various locations around the Bitterne Park area of the city, holding what was suspected to be poles and baseball bats. 

Officers have attended and remain in the area at the current time. 
 

To help us respond to these reports as effectively as possible, a Section 34 order has been authorised for Riverside Park and the surrounding area.
 

The order has been implemented under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014) and was authorised at 4.05pm today (Thursday 6 February), to remain in place until 7.45am tomorrow morning (Friday 7 February).

This has been authorised to help officers continue to effectively respond to and tackle any arising ASB issues or criminality, keeping local communities safe in the process. Officers will be present during the evening to enforce the order where considered necessary.
 

The order gives our officers the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned with no return within the specified time period. Those who refuse to comply are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.
 

Anyone with concerns, questions or information is asked to speak to patrolling officers in the area or call us on 101, quoting reference number 1149 of today’s date.
 

Southampton Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector for the Bitterne Park area, Jeanette Maidment, said: “We know that there has been speculation in the local area and that people have been concerned to hear of these reports this afternoon.
 

“I want to reassure you that my officers are out patrolling the affected area, and we are putting these measures in place to help us prevent and address any issues and keep our communities safe.
 

“The tactics we are using are a robust measure and will help us to ensure the lives of local people aren’t disrupted and that people are kept safe.
 

“If you have any information about this incident today, or any questions or concerns, please do come and speak to officers out and about or call us on 101 quoting the reference number 1149 of today’s date."