GANGS of youths are being warned not to congregate on the streets as a clampdown on anti-social behaviour begins.

A dispersal order covering Eston and Ormesby came into force on Friday and runs until Sunday, covering Halloween and Bonfire Night.

The powers come under Redcar and Cleveland Police's Operation Autumnus, which has been launched to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour with the onset of longer nights.

Officers have the authority to disperse groups of two or more people and anyone who returns to the area within 24 hours could face arrest.

Neighbourhood policing team Inspector Guy Hall said: "This order complements other initiatives we are running in the borough in what can traditionally be a challenging time of year for police and others who tackle antisocial behaviour.

"The police introduced a dispersal order covering the Closes Estate in Redcar recently and this, coupled with the Eston/Ormesby order and other strands of Operation Autumnus should give residents confidence that we are doing all we can to address their concerns."