POLICE in Warrington have been given powers to move anyone on from areas of the town centre and the north of the borough.

The force says the move will allow officers to ban anyone for up to 48 hours from those areas.

They say the aim is to reassure the public.

The move has also been introduced in Widnes and Crewe.

From 4pm today, Wednesday August 7, dispersal orders have been put in place in the three towns. 

They have been imposed under Section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

In addition, officers in the three towns have also been given additional stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act (1994).

The orders means that officers can stop and search any person or vehicle they believe may be carrying weapons or causing serious violence in a particular area, whether or not they have any grounds of suspicion.

READ MORE> Police warn violent disorder will not be tolerated

Chief Superintendent Jon Betts said: “I would like to assure the public that this is just one of the ways we are utilising the powers available to us to prevent any potential disorder.

“Along with the order you will see an increased police presence - this has all been put in place to reassure the community.”

The additional powers remain in place until at least 3am on Thursday.

In Warrington the area includes the town centre, Manchester Road, some parts of Latchford and Orford Park.

Some shops and businesses have closed early and put shutters up.

(Image: The affected area in Warrington)

Chief Superintendent Betts added: “We are aware of speculation surrounding possible planned protests across the country, and the rumours circulating in our communities regarding potential incidents in Cheshire, and I want to reassure residents that we are fully prepared to deal with anyone intent on causing disorder in our communities.

“Violent disorder will not be tolerated in Cheshire and we’re working closely with our partners to ensure the safety of our residents.

“We have extensive resources in place to ensure that robust action can be taken against anyone who breaks the law.

“We will also use all the resources available to us, including facial recognition and ANPR, to ensure that anyone who commits an offence is held accountable for their actions.

“I would also urge residents not to share any of the malicious or inaccurate information which has been posted on social media platforms. These messages have been posted in order to cause fear, hate and disorder in our communities.

“We have already arrested and charged a number of people in relation to these messages, and anyone else who is found to be encouraging such offences, be that online or in person, will also be dealt with.”