PEOPLE stopped by Southampton police on Halloween will be forced to remove anything hiding their identity.

Officers will use a little-used power in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 giving them the authority to take off face masks and similar disguises.

Police will be on patrol across Southampton to prevent trouble breaking out.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will also be involved in the city-wide attempt to keep people safe.

READ MORE: Southampton dog walker attacked by Halloween mask-wearing gang

A spokesman said: "In the west of the city, we will have officers in vehicles, PCSOs on foot and units on bikes.

"We also have officers and PCSOs in place to respond to any incidents in the city centre.

"In preparation for Halloween we have given presentations to schools about the powers we can use and also worked closely with partners, such as Testlands Wellbeing Hub in Green Lane, Millbrook, who are offering a variety of activities including a scare maze, sports, arts and crafts and a games room, to keep young people occupied on the night."

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