A dispersal order has been put in place following reports of anti-social behaviour in Canvey. 

The order came into effect at 6.50pm on Thursday and runs until 5am on Friday, November 1. 

Included in the order is an area covering the boundaries of the town centre, the Paddocks and Lionel Road. 

Essex Police said the order has been put in place as a preventative measure to allow officers to prevent incidents of anti-social behaviour during Halloween. 

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre, so we are taking proactive steps to make sure the law-abiding majority of the public can enjoy Halloween this evening. 
  
“We will have officers across the town and this order gives them the power to disperse any groups behaving anti-socially or disorderly in the town. 
  
“We want people to enjoy the evening, but people congregating in large groups and behaving anti-socially will be moved on. 
 
“Shopkeepers should think about what they are selling to people, especially fireworks, and ensure they are being sold responsibly.”