Dispersal order following suspected racial attack

A dispersal order has been put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour following a suspected racially aggravated attack in a town in West Yorkshire.

Up until Sunday at 16:00 BST, police can exclude people from a designated area in Ossett including the pedestrianised precinct, bus station, Co-op and Church Street park and skate park.

The order, authorised on Friday, follows an attack on two people on 17 October while they were leaving Hindu celebrations at Ossett Town Hall.

The order aims to ensure the town centre is a "safe and welcoming place for everyone", according to Insp Andrew Dickinson of the Wakefield West Neighbourhood Policing Team.

"We understand the concerns of local residents and traders about anti-social behaviour in the town centre following recent incidents," he said.

"That's why we have introduced this power for a short period of time."

Dispersal orders give officers additional powers to direct those involved in, or likely to be involved in, anti-social behaviour to leave the area. Those who do not follow instructions can be arrested.

Following the attack, Jade Botterill, Labour MP for Ossett and Denby Dale, wrote on social media: "Let's be clear, the individuals accused of this don't represent us.

Round here, we were raised to look after each other and to treat strangers like neighbours. That is the Yorkshire we all know and love."

West Yorkshire Police appealed for information about a group of youths seen in the area at the time of the attack, particularly those who were riding e-bikes.

Following the incident, Insp Dickinson said: "Everyone has the right to attend community events safely and without fear.

"We are treating these assaults seriously and are working to ensure those responsible are held accountable."

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