An ongoing crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lowestoft town centre saw the new powers introduced on Wednesday afternoon (March 18).

The dispersal order has been introduced for the second time - just five weeks after a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering Lowestoft town centre and surrounding areas had been installed.

It was brought in to help reduce current patterns of anti-social behaviour in the town as police and East Suffolk Council vowed to deal with yobbish behaviour "quickly and effectively".

The new clampdown now sees mask-wearing gangs, people who spit and urinate in public, e-scooters and electric bikes being ridden dangerously and intimidating behaviour from groups all banned in parts of the town.

If people are caught wearing face coverings, urinating or riding e-scooters and bikes in an anti-social manner they could face £100 fixed penalty notices.

Suffolk Police said the order now applies to Lowestoft town centre until 2.10pm on Friday (March 20).

The order means that officers will be able to move people on if they feel they are causing harassment, alarm or distress to locals or if they're committing crime or disorder.

Lowestoft town centre. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Suffolk Constabulary said the order was authorised following reports of "ongoing anti-social behaviour in Lowestoft town centre" on Wednesday.

Sgt Rianna Coote said the order "gives officers the power to direct anyone aged 10 and over who is involved in – or likely to be involved in – ASB to leave the area.

One direction-to-leave notice was issued on Wednesday afternoon, with several others spoken to and advised to move on.

With the dispersal order in place, the Constabulary said that policing teams would be "out in force" on Wednesday evening.

By 8pm last night, five individuals had been given dispersal notices, while two youths were arrested for breaching their written notice and were taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre.

Sgt Coote added: "Several others have been asked to leave/returned home to parents and been provided advice.

"If you are involved in ASB, expect to be directed to leave. Failing to comply, or returning during the period of the order, is an offence and may lead to arrest.

"ASB will not be tolerated in our town centre."

© Eastern Daily Press