A DISPERSAL order giving the police special powers to separate large groups of people has been placed upon a town centre.

The need for the order follows several incidents in Clitheroe town centre involving groups of youths - including criminal damage and assault issues.

The powers will be in place from 6pm on December 11 for a period of 48 hours, until Sunday evening.

A police spokesman said: "We want to let you know that a section 35 dispersal order will be in place in the town centre area of Clitheroe.

"This means that, where needed, we are able to disperse large groups out of an area if they are behaving in an anti-social manner.

"This follows recent incidents where young people have been congregating in the town centre, causing criminal damage and on occasion, assault. This type of behaviour causes alarm and distress and will not be tolerated.

To see the are where these powers will be in place, visit www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk for the map released by police.