REPORTS of anti-social behaviour in Salisbury city centre prompted police to impose an order allowing them to order people to leave the area.

The move, by Wiltshire Police, was in force on Sunday into Monday (October 23) and followed a “number of reports” from members of the public.

It involved a section 35 order – part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – being imposed around the city centre.

The order allowed officers in the area specified to “exclude individuals who have contributed to or are likely to contribute to members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed”, a police spokesperson said.

At least five people were told to leave the area, police said.

“If they refuse or they return to the area after being dispersed, they can be arrested,” the spokesperson added.

The order was introduced following a number of reports of individuals engaging in anti-social behaviour in the city centre and ran until 9am on Monday morning.

Acting Police Sergeant Boon, of the Salisbury response team, said: “We will always listen to our communities about their concerns and the issues they are facing in their neighbourhoods.

“We understand there have been repeated reports from members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed in Salisbury city centre.

“Five people have already been issued with dispersal orders. Those who break the order will be arrested and dealt with proportionately.”

The order covered the ring road around Salisbury, including Churchill Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Gardens.