A dispersal zone has been put in place by police in Richmond, giving officers and PCSOs additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The zone covers much of the town centre. It was enforced at 9.05pm on Thursday, June 25 and lasts for 48 hours, meaning the zone will be remain in place until 9.04pm on Saturday, June 27.

While a dispersal zone is in place, it is a crime to:

Fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer or PCSO to disperse from the area

Fail to surrender items likely to cause anti-social behaviour, on request of a police officer or PCSO

Return within a specified period after being directed to disperse from the area.

Richmond Police said the zone was authorised under S35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It urged anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or crime to report it.

They can do this online on the Met Police website, by calling 101 or dialing 999 in an emergency.

Enforcement of the zone follows a spate of incidents involving anti-social behaviour and crime in Richmond.

On Thursday night, three men were arrested on suspicion of drug and knife offences.

Last Saturday night, paramedics treated three men in their 20s for injuries after a "suspected stabbing" and fight involving a large group.

Last weekend's events led the leader of the Met Police's South West Command Unit, Sally Benatar, to speak out about unlicensed music playing and gatherings in South West London parks.

'Some really terrible stories'

Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park, today tweeted: "Attending a Zoom call hosted by @Gareth_Roberts_ and @MPSSallyBenatar for local Richmond residents about the recent anti-social behaviour.

"Some really terrible stories.

"I urge everyone not to congregate in our open spaces this weekend.

Policing focus this weekend in wider London

The Met Police said it was "prepared for the weekend ahead". Thousands of officers will be on duty across the capital with a particular focus on spontaneous unlawful music events that often attract large crowds.

Commissioner Cressida Dick said: "We have seen some large numbers of people completely flouting the health regulations, seeming not to care at all about their own or their families' health and wanting to have large parties.

"It is hot. Some people have drunk far too much. Some people are just angry and aggressive and some people are plain violent.

"Tell us about unlicensed music events, we will close them down.

"I know that the local communities hate them as they cause anti-social behaviour, are noisy and illegal and sometimes there is violence towards police officers simply doing their duty, which is completely and utterly unacceptable.

"We are prepared for the weekend, we have officers all over London working hard to keep the peace and to protect the public from violence and disorder.

"Anyone who breaks the law will face consequences."