A dispersal order has been put in place in Clacton town centre after cases of anti-social behaviour involving young people.

Essex Police took the step in the wake of numerous reports of incidents involving a large group of youngsters.

A spokesman said: "These include criminal damage, verbal abuse, assaults and cycling in an anti-social manner near pedestrians."

The order gives 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.

The order runs will run until 5pm on Saturday, May 25, and covers the town centre - including Jackson Road, Rosemary Road, The Grove, Alexandra Road, Station Road, Carnarvon Road, Marine Parade East, Marine Parade West, Edith Road and all roads within the area in the map.