Police in Warwick have been given powers to move groups on from St Nicholas Park and the surrounding area.

A dispersal order has been put in place after police received a number of reports over the last few days about a group causing antisocial behaviour and disorder in the park.

Police are investigating a number of reports of robbery, possession of weapons and criminal damage believed to be linked to the group.

The dispersal order gives officers the power to tell groups to leave the area and not return for the duration of the order that runs until 10pm tomorrow (Tuesday 13 August). Failure to comply means they can be arrested.

Inspector Jem Mountford, head of neighbourhood policing in Warwick District, said: "This behaviour is causing significant harassment, alarm and distress to people in the park and the surrounding area, and we will not tolerate it. We will not hesitate to use these powers.

"We have increased our presence in the area, and on top of our ongoing investigations, we feel this move is necessary to address local concerns and give us the power to deal with those we believe to be responsible."