Officers have dispersed a number of people following proactive patrols and the implementation of a Section 34 order in the Bitterne Park area of Southampton yesterday evening (Thursday 6 February).

This comes after we were called shortly after 3pm to reports that a group of between 10 and 20 young people had been seen in the area holding potential weapons, including poles and baseball bats. No injuries have been reported.

Officers were deployed to the area to ensure the safety of those involved and the wider public, and at 4.05pm a Section 34 order was authorised for Riverside Park and the surrounding area. 

The order, which was implemented under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within a specified time period. Those who refuse to comply are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest. Typically those who are under 16 are returned to their home address for follow-up work to be done with their parents or guardians. 

Police remained at the location throughout the evening. Eight people, aged between 13 and 17, were spoken to and dispersed from the area.

The order was in place until 7.45am this morning, however officers will remain in the area today carrying out dedicated patrols around Riverside Park and the wider Bitterne Park area. 

Southampton Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for the Bitterne Park area, Jeanette Maidment, said: “I know that there was understandably some concern around these reports yesterday afternoon, and I would like to thank the local community for their support and co-operation as we have responded to this incident. 

“We were at the location within minutes of the first report coming in in order to ensure the safety of everybody in the area and to prevent any violence taking place. I am pleased to report that nobody has been injured, and we will remain in the area throughout the day and night today. Please do come and speak to officers if you have any concerns, information or questions about this incident. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

“We take reports of this nature very seriously and our enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.”