POLICE could ban groups of people socialising locally this weekend in a crackdown against weapons and planned violence.

Thames Valley Police Bracknell tweeted to say a dispersal order has been authorised for Sandhurst and Crowthorne.

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The order will give police extra powers to break up groups of two or more people where they think their behaviour is causing harassment, nuisance or distress.

Police can move them out of the area and stop them from returning for up to 24 hours unless they are a resident.

The force said: "This is due to community concerns around disorder in previous weekends between groups of youths.

"The order is in place until 3pm on Sunday."

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The order comes after a Section 60 order allowing police to stop and search anybody in the area was lifted following incidents of youth disorder in the area.

The order was lifted on October 5 having been in place since Friday, October 2, at 2pm. 

During the time, no weapons were located.

The force explained there will be an increased presence of officers in these areas.