📣 Two 48-hour dispersal orders issued for Holbeach and Sutton Bridge following reports of ASB

📣 Two 48-hour dispersal orders issued for Holbeach and Sutton Bridge following reports of ASB

Over recent days, officers have received numerous calls from concerned members of the public, which include reports of disorder, an assault, and a number of purported bomb threats, as well as damage being caused to homes and shops, with property doors also being kicked. These incidents have caused significant disruption and alarm within our community.

As part of our ongoing investigations, 22 young people have now been identified as suspects in connection with anti-social behaviour and disorder offences. Enquiries remain ongoing and further action will be taken where appropriate.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Paul Smith has authorised two dispersal orders which gives officers additional powers to direct individuals involved in, or likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Anyone who fails to comply may be committing an offence and could face arrest.

One dispersal order covers Holbeach, the other covers Sutton Bridge. Both orders will run for 48 hours from 7pm Friday 23 October 2026 to 7pm Sunday 25 October 2026.

We will continue to work with partners, parents and guardians to address this behaviour, identify those responsible, and keep our communities safe. We would ask parents and carers to know where their children are this evening and to speak with them about the consequences of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and criminality.

📣 DISPERSAL NOTICE - Section 34 Authority to issue (s35) Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014

1️⃣ The first notice is applicable for the area within the town of Holbeach, to include the town centre, housing estates parks and recreational areas.

The dispersal order gives officers the power to require individuals to leave a specified area if they are contributing, or likely to contribute to harassment, alarm, distress or crime and disorder.

Failure to comply with a direction to leave is an arrestable offence. We have experienced anti-social behaviour and disorder in the area of Boston Road, and the town centre and have reason to believe that this will continue.

2️⃣ The second notice is applicable for the area within the town of Sutton Bridge, to include Bridge Road, Sutton Bridge and all roads directly adjoining Bridge Road, including the grounds of the Sutton Bridge Memorial Park.

The dispersal order gives officers the power to require individuals to leave a specified area if they are contributing, or likely to contribute to harassment, alarm, distress or crime and disorder.

Failure to comply with a direction to leave is an arrestable offence. 

🗣️ Inspector Smith said: “The behaviour we have seen over recent days is completely unacceptable. A small number of individuals are causing significant disruption, placing unnecessary demand on emergency services, and creating fear and concern within our communities.

"Let me be absolutely clear once again: anyone found to have been involved can expect to face the consequences of their actions.

 "Reports of assaults and purported bomb threats are not a joke. They divert police resources away from genuine emergencies and put members of the public at risk. We will continue to use all powers available to us to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts where appropriate.

"I would urge parents and carers to know where their children are, who they are with, and what they are doing. If your child becomes involved in this sort of behaviour, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.

"Our officers will be out in force tonight, and we will not hesitate to use the dispersal order powers where necessary to protect the public and prevent further disorder."

Incidents 211 and 212 of 23 October 2026 refer