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A dispersal order has been put in place in Derby city centre after reports of street drinking and begging.

The order has begun just after 14:15 BST on Tuesday and will last until Thursday at the same time, police said.

The order gives local officers the power to ask a group of two people or more to leave the area if they are committing anti-social behaviour.

Anyone committing an offence by refusing this order can be arrested and fined up to £2,500. Offenders could also receive a three-month prison sentence, the force said.

Officers can also ask people to leave the dispersal area if they believe the person may or is likely to cause a nuisance to someone else.

Insp Rachel Fowkes, of the force, said: “The dispersal order has been brought in to help us address concerns around the behaviour of a small group of individuals involved in begging and street drinking.

"It allows us to move these people on and so reduce anti-social behaviour in this part of the city.

“We give careful consideration when introducing these orders to ensure they are absolutely necessary, and they are used to help us ease community concerns and take action on those intent on disrupting the public and local businesses."

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