A dispersal order is in force after youths were seen jumping in front of boats at a popular quay.

Officers have ramped out their powers in a bid to clamp down on anti-social behaviour at Hamble Quay.

The behaviour of these young people is having a negative impact on the area, said Inspector Allan Dineley.

He said: “While we know that the hot weather will attract young people to the shoreline, the level of anti-social behaviour that we are seeing along the foreshore is having a negative impact on the community, boat owners, staff at the harbour master’s office and the ferry master.

“In addition, jumping off the Quay in front of a working ferry service is incredibly dangerous for those involved and others around them."

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Insp Dineley added: “While we have already increased our patrols in the area, we feel that making use of these powers to disperse groups of people will help us further to tackle this issue and keep our communities safe.

“Officers will be in the area over the coming evenings, please do come and speak to them if you have any questions or concerns.”

The order has been in place since 4pm on Monday and will remain until 4pm on Wednesday.

It covers The Quay, part of the High Street, and Green Lane. 

The dispersal enables police to deal with any issues of anti-social behaviour in the directed area more effectively.

It also gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area with no return within the specified time period.

Those who refuse to comply with the order are committing a criminal offence and are liable for arrest.

Individuals who are aged under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour in the area should call 101 or report it online at www.hampshire.police.uk, quoting the reference number 44240343349.