POLICE had to use special powers in Romsey over the weekend following a rise in anti-social behaviour.

Officers had been running 'Operation Jester' in and around the town centre after multiple reports over a group of "misunderstood young people".

A dispersal order was in effect since 3pm on October 8, meaning police could order groups to leave a certain area, or they would face arrest.

This power was used five times following a disturbance at the bus station.

Romsey bus station.

Romsey bus station.

Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes said: "I have consistently supported the use of dispersal orders in the town to help the police deal with a small minority of individuals who can make the lives of others an absolute misery.

"When they were first used in Romsey they were very effective and we can see from the impact they had this weekend that they are a useful tool for the police.

"There certainly are pockets of anti-social behaviour in Romsey, and a particular area of nuisance is at the Romsey Industrial Estate where car meets are taking place late at night and disturbing residents.

"But the bus station has long been a focal point and clearly continues to be so. I will carry on working closely with Romsey’s policing team, who do a fantastic job, sometimes in very trying circumstances."

In a separate incident, a male was arrested outside the Phoenix Pub on Saturday (October 9) for assaulting an emergency worker.

He has since been issued with a community resolution.

A police officer of at least the rank of inspector can authorise a dispersal order for use in a specified locality.

This can be in place for a specified period of no more than 48 hours, and is authorised using section 35 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.