Dispersal order issued for Skegness centre
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Update 18 September, 11.40am
We are pleased to report that no further incidents were reported in relation to this disturbance overnight. Our patrols will continue in the area.
Original release 17 September, 5.59pm
* The below information was updated at 7.40pm today (17 September) to highlight that the dispersal order is a Section 60, which comes with additional searching powers.
A dispersal order has been issued in the centre of Skegness following disorder over the past few days.
The first incident was a report of a fight between two groups of people which took place last night (Monday 16 September) in the Church Road and North Road areas, and it is believed that there were offensive weapons being carried on our streets.
Another incident took place today where people were reported to have been in the area with weapons. Both of these cases are very concerning for us, and we are taking steps to prevent further incidents.
Officers have been dispatched on all occasions and continue to patrol tonight and into the early hours while the dispersal order in place, which is from now until 4am tomorrow morning (Wednesday 18 September).
It prohibits groups gathering in specific areas - anyone who doesn't comply could be arrested and prosecuted. The Section 60 dispersal order which has been put in place allows officers to stop and search individuals or search vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments where necessary. This has been made following intelligence that we have received.
The areas it covers are: the length of Lincoln Road, the A158 Burgh Road at the junction of Lincoln Road, east up to Grand Parade, along Grand Parade to the Clock Tower and then West along Lumley Road, and the A52 Wainfleet Road to the junction of Lincoln Road.
The order also gives officers powers to move on anyone in that area who may be causing, or be likely to cause, a disturbance, as well as to seize items from anyone who is believed may cause a disturbance.
Several people have been arrested in connection with the previous incidents and we will be investigating this.