New crackdown on gangs after punch tragedy

Jonathan Harper, 47, died in May last year after refusing to hand over a cigarette to a group of youths as he walked home from a pub in North Anston, near Rotherham.

A 15-year-old boy admitted manslaughter after punching Mr Harper in the face, causing him to fall into the path of a car which was unable to avoid him.

The teenager, who was never named for legal reasons, was hanging around with a group of other youths. Police have since acted to halt such gatherings.

The dispersal order covers North Anston and neighbouring village Dinnington, where Mr Harper lived with his mother.

Under the order, both regular police officers and community support officers have powers to move people on or require them to leave the area to put a stop to trouble.

They are also legally able to take young people under the age of 16 back to their home address or to a place of safety if they are found out on the streets after 9pm.

Insp Richard Scholey, who dealt with Mr Harper's case, said the order had been enforced after concerns were reported by members of the community over anti-social behaviour.

He added: "Groups of young people gathering and socialising is by no means a problem in itself. We fully recognise the right of any individual or group to associate together and the fact that these are young people are neither here nor there.

"However, the situation has become a problem as large groups, sometimes with over 150 individuals, have regularly gathered in the area and due to the antisocial behaviour of a small minority amongst them, we have received complaints from local residents who are concerned for their own safety and the safety of the young people who gather in such large groups."

Late last month police used mobile CCTV cameras to record anti-social behaviour and in the first three days 24 people were required to stay off the streets until 6am the following morning.

Officers said over the next three weeks, a further two people were told to stay off the streets, 21 young people had alcohol confiscated and a further 38 people were advised about the order.

Kath Amies, of Rotherham Council said: "The order applies to anyone found to be causing a disturbance by indulging in anti-social behaviour. Police officers and PCSOs will only use the order as a last resort.

"They won't disperse without reason. People meeting friends to enjoy themselves will be left in peace."