POLICE have secured new powers to stop gangs of unruly youths causing problems in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police have successfully applied to the courts for a dispersal order.

It means they can order groups of two or more people to leave areas and not return within 24 hours if they believe the youths will intimidate, harass, alarm or distress members of the public.

Anyone failing to comply will be arrested.

Police will also escort home youngsters found in the dispersal area between 9pm and 6am, who are under 16 and who officers believe are not under the effective control of a responsible adult.

The application follows continual problems with anti-social behaviour and crime.

Sergeant Brian Tamms, of Cleveland Police, said: "Dispersal orders are not obtained lightly.

"The community police teams have worked tirelessly with residents' groups and elected members to improve the quality of life for those suffering the misery caused by gangs of unruly youths.

"The orders are an important weapon in our armour to combat anti-social behaviour and crime.

"But I would also urge members of the public to come forward and name those people who are intimidating and degrading their communities and help us to help you."

The order will come into effect at 6pm tonight and runs until December 8.

It covers the whole of South Bank from the Normanby Road junction with Middlesbrough Road, along Normanby Road to the junction with the A1085 Trunk Road, then along to the Black Path between Teesville and Harcourt Road.

It then goes from Harcourt Road to the junction with Old Middlesbrough Road and back to the starting point of Middlesbrough and Normanby Road and all areas within the boundary.