Community wardens in Warwick have been given additional powers to help tackle antisocial behaviour, Warwickshire Police has announced.

The powers allow them to seize alcohol or tobacco from minors and to require name and address from people suspected of committing antisocial behaviour.

Wardens will need to be accredited by Warwickshire Police under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) before they can make use of the powers.

Those who do not comply with a request from an accredited community warden would be committing an offence under the Police Reform Act 2002 and could be arrested by police.

The force said these new powers will provide "invaluable support for our officers on patrol", allowing wardens to "more effectively assist" with low-level incidents throughout the town.

Marianne Rolfe Head of Community Protection at Warwick District Council comments: "This is a welcome step for the community wardens. 

"They are already recognised as a reassuring and supportive presence across our district and these new powers will enable them to provide increased support to our police colleagues, as we work collectively to keep our communities safer for residents and visitors."