THE new man in charge of policing Redditch has said officers are conducting extra patrols following a large street fight that took plave near Heart of Worcestershire College in Redditch.

The Advertiser reported that police were called to a group of youths fighting near the college in Peakman Street.

Police imposed a dispersal order in the area after an assault at around 4.30pm on Monday.

Around 45 minutes later, a 17-year-old was arrested near to the Sportsmans Arms.

Lee Page, new Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector for the district, said: "Thankfully the majority of young people visit Redditch to enjoy socialising with friends but a minority do choose to cause trouble and act in an anti-social manner, which can cause a huge amount of concern for local people.

"Our teams are patrolling the area to prevent any further disorder by utilising a dispersal order to ensure those intent on causing issues in the town are identified and swiftly moved on.”

The power allows police and community support officers to force troublemakers to leave.

A dispersal order may include confiscation of items (e.g. alcohol) and is available to anyone that appears over 10 years of age.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment and/or a fine.