Police issue dispersal order in Braintree over fears of anti-social behaviour
Orders introduced ahead of potential demonstrations at the Wethersfield site
Police have introduced a dispersal order across the Braintree district this afternoon (Saturday, 19 September), following concerns about potential anti-social behaviour.
The move comes after information was received about possible demonstration activity at the Wethersfield site.
The order gives officers the power to tell people to leave the area if they are suspected of committing a crime or engaging in anti-social behaviour. Anyone who refuses to leave could face arrest.
Police have also brought in an additional order under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
This means anyone entering the area covered by the order while concealing their identity could be committing an offence and may face arrest and prosecution.
Both orders cover the area shown on the map and will be in place from 1pm today (Saturday, 19 September) until 10am tomorrow (Sunday, 20 September).
Police say peaceful protests can continue
Chief Inspector Martin Richards, District Commander for Braintree and Uttlesford, said the orders were not intended to stop people from exercising their right to protest peacefully.
He said: “These orders are not to prevent lawful and peaceful protest. Everyone has the democratic right to demonstrate, and our job is to facilitate that and ensure people can do so safely.
“These order are intended to tackle anyone who plans to come here and commit crime or anti-social behaviour.
“The information we have suggests there is a risk of that taking place and we are putting proactive plans in place to prevent it.”
Police say the measures are designed to deal with potential criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, while allowing lawful demonstrations to take place safely.