Petersfield officers issue dispersal order and appeal for witnesses following Town Square incident

Today (Friday, 11 March) Petersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team have set up a dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Petersfield town centre.

The order is in response to an altercation that took place in Petersfield Town Square at around 11.48pm last Friday, 4 March.

Officers attended and located three men, two in their 40s and one in his 20s, with serious but non-life threatening injuries. They were all taken to hospital for treatment.

A 26-year-old man from Petersfield, a 46-year-old man and a 23-year-old man from Horndean, and a 27-year-old man from Bordon, have been arrested on suspicion of wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent.

All four have been questioned by officers and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

As part of our response to this incident and concerns raised in relation to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area, officers have authorised a dispersal order to help us tackle these issues and keep communities safe.

The order will be in place from 6pm today, Friday, 11 March for 48 hours until 6pm on Sunday, 13 March.

It will cover areas including Petersfield Town Square, and the area bordered by Station Road, Charles Street, The Spain, Hylton Road, Dragon Street and College Street. 

The order gives us the power to disperse people involved in anti-social behaviour in the area.

It also gives officers the power to seize anything used in the commission of anti-social behaviour.

Petersfield Neighbourhood Sergeant Kieren Mansell said: “We are investigating an incident that took place in the Town Square last Friday, 4 March in which three men were injured during an altercation with another group of people.

“If you were in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, but haven’t yet spoken to us, we urge you to get in touch.

“We believe some people may have filmed the incident on their smart phones. Do you have any mobile phone footage that may help our investigation?”

“Anyone with any information is asked to call us on 101 quoting reference 44220088883 or report online via the Hampshire Constabulary website.

“We know anti-social behaviour and associated crime has a negative impact on the local community which is why we have set up a dispersal order to run throughout this weekend.

“The order has been authorised to run for 48 hours from 6pm this afternoon and covers the area shown in the map. 

“Whilst we have already increased our patrols in the area, we also feel that making use of these powers to disperse groups of people will help to us to further tackle these issues and keep people safe.

“Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols throughout the weekend. We would ask anyone who has any concerns or information to stop and speak to them.”

Anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour should call us on 101 or report online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/.

If a crime is in progress always dial 999.