A CHIEF constable has vowed to break up groups of more than two teenagers after a campaign of violence and intimidation at a shopping centre.

Mike Craik, chief constable of Northumbria Police, will use new powers to allow his officers to disperse troublemakers.

Mr Craik, 50, took control of the North-East force last month, and immediately vowed to use "total policing" to tackle crime.

Police will use the powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to disperse gangs at the Brockwell shopping centre in Cramlington, Northumberland.

Officers will also be able to escort under-16s home if they cause a nuisance between 9pm and 6am.

Anyone who refuses to co-operate could face three months imprisonment and fines up to £5,000.

In the past two years there have been more than 400 incidents at the centre mainly involving teenagers aged between 12 and 18, congregating in groups of up to 20.