Dispersal order in place today in Southampton

To help us ensure fans enjoy today's match between Saints and Leicester safely, a dispersal order will be in place in the town centre today between 12pm and 11.59pm.

This has been made under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Section 34)

Officers have the option of using these powers to disperse anyone committing anti-social behaviour if it is felt necessary to ensure people’s safety.

This comes following reports of a minority of spectators engaging in anti-social behaviour at recent matches.

We recognise the vast majority of football fans come to enjoy the match and these powers will help us deal with the minority who spoil the experience for everyone else.

Please see the map on this post which shows the area the dispersal order will cover.

Superintendent Mark Lewis said: "We want to make sure the majority of football fans who do not engage in anti-social behaviour can enjoy today's match.

"The dispersal zone is in place so that we have the powers to help those in the area and remove anyone causing trouble.

"We are telling you this in the hope that we do not have to use these powers, however they are there if we need them to ensure the safety of the public, which is our main priority.

"It is important our communities know what we are doing to tackle anti-social behaviour and we hope this dispersal zone will make that minority of fans reconsider their actions.

"If you see our officers today please feel free to say hello or report anything in the area you're concerned about."