Coalville police have provided an update after a 24-hour dispersal order was imposed in the town centre last Friday.

A social media post from North West Leicestershire Police says this had been granted in response to continuing anti-social behaviour in the area.

It means officers had extra powers to act in relation to individuals aged over 10 years old - and police say the order could be extended beyond Saturday afternoon.

Police had also urged parents to check on the activities of their children.

The dispersal order was centred on the Belvoir Shopping Centre and the car park to the rear of that.

Image: North West Leicestershire Police

A police statement on Saturday evening said: "Coalville Beat Team obtained a S35 Dispersal Order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the Belvoir Shopping Centre.

"ASB often takes many forms criminal damage, public order, assaults and behaviour which causes harassment, alarm and distress to the local community.

"On Friday evening, officers issued 10 individuals with dispersal orders which resulted in three of those individuals being arrested for breaches of the orders.

"As a beat team we are committed to keeping the town centre a safe environment for all."

On Friday, North West Leicestershire Police gave details of the dispersal order: "At 1720hrs on Friday, November 29, a section 35 dispersal authority has been granted in relation to ongoing anti social behaviour being reported in the town centre.

Photo: North West Leicestershire Police

"This power will remain in place for 24 hours with consideration for this to be extended should it be deemed necessary.

"The dispersal provides extra powers to the Police to exclude individuals aged over 10 who cause antisocial behaviour or are deemed likely to cause antisocial behaviour, those issued with a dispersal will be directed to leave the area located on the below map and will be excluded from the area for up to 48 hours, failure to comply with this dispersal does constitute to an offence which may lead to an arrest.

"We have a number of officers attending the location to deal with the reported ASB.

"Parents - if your young person is out tonight, especially in the Coalville town centre, please get in touch with them. Please consider collecting them where possible."