Police will stop gangs of youths gathering in Hartlepool and search people for weapons this weekend after two stabbings in one week

Police are invoking special powers to search for weapons and break up gangs of youths following two stabbings in a week in Hartlepool.
By Newsroom
Published 21st Feb 2020, 11:04 BST
Updated 21st Feb 2020, 12:07 BST
The fair in Hartlepool which is part of the area covered by Cleveland Police's dispersal orderThe fair in Hartlepool which is part of the area covered by Cleveland Police's dispersal order
The fair in Hartlepool which is part of the area covered by Cleveland Police's dispersal order

Cleveland Police has issued a dispersal order for the area of central Hartlepool after a number of incidents of antisocial behaviour and crime this week.

The area included in the dispersal order covers the A179 towards the Marina and Maritime Avenue, across to Victoria Terrace surrounded by the A178 and A689. This is known locally as the Fayre Ground at the Marina, close to the town, rail station, Vue Cinema, Mecca Bingo and McDonalds, KFC and other retail and food outlets.

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The order gives the police the power to disperse large groups of youths from the area for a period of 48 hours. Anyone who does not comply or returns to the area within 48 hours can be arrested.

This is where the dispersal order will cover in HartlepoolThis is where the dispersal order will cover in Hartlepool
This is where the dispersal order will cover in Hartlepool

Officers have also invoked legislation which allows them to search people and vehicles for items such as weapons without further grounds.

Read more: Police 'concerned' about knife crime after two teenage stabbings in Hartlepool in one week

This comes after the force said it was 'concerned' about the level of youth knife crime following two stabbing in Hartlepool in one week.

Last Friday, February 15, a teenage boy was stabbed in Seaton Carew at the Sports Domes in Tees Road when a fight broke out during a game of football.

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On Wednesday, February 19, police and paramedics were called to the car park next to the train station on Church Street after a 17-year-old boy was hurt.

He was taken to the James Cook University Hospital for treatment, and a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of wounding.

Inspector Matt Reeves said: “We have seen incidents of antisocial behaviour and serious violence in the town this week. We are committed to ensuring that Hartlepool is a safe place to live and work and any antisocial behaviour or criminal activity will not be tolerated.

“We want to reassure people that we are taking decisive action to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime across the town, including the introduction of the extended search powers, the dispersal orders and additional officers to increase the police presence in Hartlepool.”