DISPERSAL zones are being set up in several parts of Southampton to help prevent trouble breaking out on Halloween.

Police are determined to prevent a repetition of the "disorder" that broke out in the west of the city during the run-up to last year's event.

Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: “Halloween is an enjoyable time of the year, and our job is to make sure the vast majority of people who do celebrate the festivities sensibly are able to do so safely.

“Last year we saw disorder in the west of the city, so hopefully the plans we are putting in place reassure our communities that we are being proactive in preventing antisocial behaviour."

READ MORE: Extra patrols to take place at Hedge End on Halloween

Dispersal zones will be enforced in Maybush, South Millbrook and Lordshill shopping precinct from 3pm on Monday, October 31 until 3am on Tuesday, November 1.

Similar zones will enforced in Portswood around the university campus, in Bitterne Park and the Yeovil Chase and Bentley Green area.

They will be in place from 4pm on Sunday, October 30 until 4am on Tuesday.

It means officers will have the power to move on anyone involved in anti-social behaviour. Anyone who refuses to comply will be arrested.

A police spokesman said: "More zones can and be added depending on the intelligence received in the days leading up to Halloween."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.