Dispersal order issued in Boston

A dispersal order has been issued in Boston following intelligence to suggest that there are rumours of a planned protest.

We are aware of the speculation. However, we can confirm that there is no planned protest.

Over the last 24 hours there have been several cases of antisocial behaviour causing significant concern for the community that have been reported to Lincolnshire Police.

We have today (14 August) issued a dispersal order which prevents groups of people gathering in a specific areas and gives our officers the power to exclude individuals from an area for up to 24 hours.

A Section 60 and 60AA have also been put into place. This allows officers to stop and search individuals or search vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments where necessary. Both orders have been made following intelligence that we have received. An officer will also have the power to order the removal of any item which they reasonably believe is being worn wholly or mainly for the purposes of concealing their identity.

The boundaries of this order encompasses the town centre. It includes and is bordered by:

• Norfolk Street.

• A1137.

• John Adams Way.

• A52.

• Sleaford Road.

• Lister Way.

• Fydell Street.

Officers will be making patrols of the area throughout the evening, and anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour will be made to leave the vicinity immediately.

Ch Insp Richard Nethercott said: "Our officers will be patrolling the area and will deal robustly with anyone behaving in an antisocial manner.

"We would like to thank the majority of our community for their continued cooperation and support.

"We would urge anyone who notices anything suspicious or does not feel safe to contact our Neighbourhood Policing Team or call 101, quoting Inc 227 of 14 August."