Update following Eastleigh versus Aldershot FA Trophy match

Dispersal orders were issued to a total of 35 fans attending the Eastleigh versus Aldershot FA Trophy match at Silverlake Stadium last Saturday (13 December).

The dispersal orders followed the granting of additional police powers ahead of the all-Hampshire fixture.

The purpose of the increased powers was to help keep spectators and the public safe before, during and after game.

The dispersal order was in force for a period of 26 hours, starting at 10am on Saturday, and remaining active until midday on Sunday (14 December).

It enabled our officers to deal more effectively with any issues that could have impacted the safety of those attending the game.

It gave them the power to order a person to leave an area, with no return within the specified period of time.

Had a person failed to comply with the order, they were then liable for arrest. All those issued a dispersal order were compliant with the conditions of it, as were those required to remove face coverings.

The requirement to remove a face covering was part of a separate order, which was in place for the same area, between 9am and 9pm on Saturday 13 December.

That order gave officers the power to require a person to remove any items being used to conceal their identity, such as masks and face coverings.

Any failure to comply with this would also have left a person liable for arrest. Additionally, officers had the power to seize any item they believe could be used as a face covering.

The orders followed information received concerning the potential for youth-related violence among some of those attending the match.

The additional powers were under Section. 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Chief Inspector Hayley O’Grady said: “These additional powers proved extremely effective and enabled us to ensure the safety of all football fans and local residents, as well as local businesses.

"As well as the implementation of these powers, officers will also be working with the individuals and their parents/guardians, ensuring that those who were issued dispersal orders understand the affect their behaviour has on the wider community.

“We will also work with partners, including those offering intervention and diversionary services, to ensure these young people are offered the appropriate education and support, which in turn will ensure they are less likely to cause future issues of this nature.

“Ahead of the clubs’ next meeting at Silverlake Stadium in January, we will be closely monitoring information coming into us, and will consider the implementation of these powers again, if required, to safeguard all those attending the match, as well as the wider community.

“We will do our very best to keep you all informed between now and then.”