A dispersal order has been put in place in South Ockendon.

It has been put in place following information that an anticipated large-scale gathering has been planned for later today.

The Local Policing Team are concerned this could lead to incidents of crime and disorder, and officers will be in the area to police the dispersal order.

Police aim to prevent disruption to the community and our officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols.

It covers roads and open public spaces located within the area pictured below and covers Carnach Green, Cander Way, Callan Grove, Broxburn Drive, Cample Lane, Cawdor Avenue, Danbury Crescent, Bann Close, Cam Green, Avon Green, Afton Drive, Eden Green, Dart Green, Bovey Way, southern section of Areglen Avenue and Alwen Grove.

It began at 2pm today and has been authorised until 2pm tomorrow.

The order has been made under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and gives our officers the power to order people causing anti-social behaviour to leave the area.

It is a criminal offence to breach a direction given under the order and in the worst cases this can result in a criminal conviction punishable by up to six months imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

Anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact Thurrock Local Policing Team on 101