Dispersal Order Issued Due To Fear of Unlicensed Music Events

Intelligence reports suggested two gatherings were planned in Acton

Police deal with unlicensed music event in White City. Picture: Met Police

A section 35 dispersal order was issued for the whole of Acton after police received intelligence that two unlicensed music events were being planned in the area.

The order was in place from 2pm on Friday 7 August until 1.59pm on Sunday 9 August and gave police officers in uniform extra powers to order people to leave an area.

The police say the order was sought to prevent Anti-Social Behaviour and violence with injury.

Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Police and Crime Act 2014 allows a police officer of at least the rank of Inspector to authorise a dispersal zone for up to 48 hours. Once authorised, a constable in uniform may, under circumstances, direct a person to leave the area and direct the person not to return for up to 48 hours.

There have been a number of such events across the capital in recent weeks some of which led to violence. Last month police were forced to call in reinforcements to Havelock Close, White City when an attempt to break up an unlicensed music event was thwarted when officers were subjected to a hail of missiles.

August 11, 2020