POLICE are spearheading a dispersal order in Basildon to deter an unauthorised gathering and stop antisocial behaviour.

The order, which is in place from 12.30pm today (Saturday, November 21) until 12.30am tomorrow (Sunday, November22 ).

Police say they are acting to stop plans for a mass gathering, breaching coronavirus restrictions.

The order is in place for an area within the boundaries of Great Oaks and Southernhay as well as the Craylands testing facility at the junction with Churchill Avenue, and Basildon railway station.

The dispersal zone gives police powers to tell people to leave to prevent crime or disorder or breaching the law.

Echo:

Insp Mike Calvert said: “We’ve had a series of intelligence about an unauthorised gathering organised to take place in this area.

“If you’re considering attending I would urge you not to. This gathering poses a very real threat to people’s health and wellbeing through the risk of spreading Covid-19.

“A gathering of this kind is a clear and blatant breach of the Government’s Covid regulations so if you do attend you could be faced with a fine.

“We know these are challenging times but the majority of people in Basildon, and across the county, are doing the right thing at sticking to the restrictions.

“I want to thank you for doing that because it gives us more time to do what we do best – help people, keep people safe, and catch criminals.”