Police have put a dispersal order in place in Solihull town centre following reports of anti-social behaviour.

The section 35 dispersal order came into effect at around 8.15pm yesterday (30 March), and will be in place for 36 hours.

The dispersal order has been brought in following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour. This includes reports of children and teenagers causing anti-social behaviour and causing criminal damage.

We realise the community have been impacted by the incidents which are simply not acceptable and we want to reassure residents we are taking action.

The people involved, which are groups of youths, are causing issues in the local community and we are determined to stop this happening.

The area the dispersal order covers (image via West Midlands Police)

Over the next 36 hours we've put in extra policing powers which will allow us to disperse anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour and causing a public nuisance. We have also increased the number of officers in the area.

Inspector Mitch Darby, from Solihull Police, said: "We can't tolerate this kind of behaviour which is having a real negative impact on the local community and this dispersal order gives us the powers to move people on who are causing a public nuisance.

"We can assure the community we are taking action. You will see extra officers in the area over the coming days."

People with information that could help our investigation can contact us on 101 quoting log number 5033 of 30 March. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 55111.