An increased number of police patrols took place in Chichester after a rise in incidents.

A dispersal order was authorised in the city centre after a spike in reports of crime and antisocial behaviour since January 29.

The 48 hour order, which came into effect at 12pm on Friday, ran until 12pm on Sunday.

The power, under section 34 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, gives officers and designated police staff the power to disperse individuals behaving in an antisocial manner.

It also carries a power of arrest if the terms of the dispersal order are ignored.

A heightened police presence was expected across the city centre during this time.

Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones, district commander for Arun and Chichester, said: “Sussex Police take a zero tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour.

“We believe this order is necessary to protect the community due to an increase in offences, predominantly committed by young people, over the last week.

“We, as a team, have a commitment to keep the residents of Chichester city centre safe.

“We are also urging the public to get in touch if they have been affected by this behaviour this week or witness anything suspicious this weekend.”

Witnesses or anyone with any information or footage is asked to contact police online or call 101, quoting Operation Ironhide.