High visibility police presence in Wolverhampton tonight after anti-social behaviour

We will have an increased number of officers in the Bentley Bridge area tonight in response to anti-social behaviour.

This is after incidents earlier this week involving groups of teenagers causing issues for visitors and businesses.

Anyone who does not leave the area when directed to by officers can be arrested.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is in place for the area around the Retail Park preventing groups of more than three from congregating without a valid reason. Face coverings are also not allowed.

This order can be used to move people on and breaching the PSPO can lead to being arrested.

Two people were arrested earlier this week at Bentley Bridge Retail Park after a large group of teenagers caused anti-social behaviour.

One person was arrested in connection with drug offences, and a teenage boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer.

Working alongside partners including the local authority and businesses, we will continue to have a visible police presence in the area to disrupt further anti-social behaviour into this weekend.

We know that the community have been impacted by the repeated incidents which are simply not acceptable and we want to reassure visitors and businesses that we are taking action.

Inspector Steve Edwards from Wolverhampton Police said: "This type of behaviour, which directly impacts residents and businesses, is completely unacceptable.

"Anyone who comes here to commit crime or cause anti-social behaviour and disorder will be arrested and prosecuted.

"We continue to urge anyone with concerns to report them directly to us via 101 and to always call 999 in an emergency."