DRINKERS were ordered to leave the town centre as officers used a dispersal order for the second weekend running to combat anti-social behaviour.

Essex Police put a 48-hour order in place covering Colchester town centre from 6pm on Friday until 6pm on Sunday.

The order was put in place to prevent crime and disorder after several reports of violence across the previous three weekends.

It saw 30 people dispersed from the town centre for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Police elected to put the order in place again over the weekend, making it the fourth time such powers have been used in Colchester since the start of August.

Figures released by Essex Police show officers in Colchester investigated 306 incidents of anti-social behaviour across the borough last month.

Insp Jon Evans, from the Colchester Community Policing Team, said: “Earlier this month we saw a number of alcohol-related incidents where people were injured in the town centre and it’s not acceptable.

“These incidents have a big impact on people want to enjoy a night out safely as well as the businesses and venues in the town centre.”

Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, Colchester’s district commander, said the orders are a “useful tool” to prevent disorder before a crime is committed.

He said Colchester remains a safe place to visit, live and work, with incidents attributable to a sharp rise in the number of people drinking in town since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

Mr Huddleston said: “This weekend was another safe one for people living, working and visiting Colchester or going out for a drink or a meal.

“A dispersal order was put in place so you can enjoy a night out without having to worry about someone spoiling it through crime or antisocial behaviour and I’m really pleased to say this has been successful.”

He added: “24 people were directed to leave the town centre across Friday and Saturday night and we had no reports about serious assaults or disorder.

“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure you’re safe in the town centre.”