Hartlepool firework yobs halted - police hail 'significant reduction' after blitz following Friday night frenzy

A dispersal order lasting 48 hours was issued by Hartlepool Police on Saturday, October 24, after reports of repeated antisocial behaviour last Friday night in and around Hartlepool’s Hartfields play area.

Among the public complaints were that youths were letting fireworks off.

The order means anyone suspected of similar behaviour could face legal action if they ignore requests to leave a designated area bordered by Merlin Way, Meadows Walk, Osprey Way and nearby fields.

Police acted after their own officers were “met with hostility” by a gang of up to 40 youths on Friday night and subjected to “foul language and insulting gestures”.

Yet a Cleveland Police spokeswoman said on Monday: “We are pleased to report we saw a significant reduction in calls to police after this dispersal order was introduced and after additional high visibility patrols over the weekend.

"We’d therefore like to thank everyone who did observe the order.”

With schools on half-term holidays and Bonfire Night less than a fortnight away, the force have insisted that a repeat order can be introduced if problems return.

The spokeswoman said: “The dispersal order officially ends at 7pm tonight (Monday) though we will continue to monitor and review the situation.

"A further order can be brought in if required.”

After issuing the order, police urged families to check where their children were and said failure to comply with requests by officers to leave the area “will result in repercussions”.

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