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Greater Manchester Police Issue THREE Dispersal Orders In Key Areas Of Anti-Social Behaviour.

Police Disperal Orders in areas of high anti-social behaviour

Understanding Dispersal Orders and Their Legal Implications

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) recently imposed three dispersal orders across key areas of the city, including Gorton, Abbey Hey, Didsbury, Withington, and parts of Chorlton with Urmston, Stretford and Flixton added as a dispersal order area following announcements of an initial 2 orders.

The measures, introduced over Halloween weekend and leading up to Bonfire Night, were aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and ensuring public safety during one of the busiest times of the year for local emergency services.

While dispersal orders are intended to protect communities, they also give police officers significant powers to remove individuals from public areas – powers that can have serious consequences if breached.

But what is a dispersal order? How does it operate? and what should you do if you – or someone you know is subjected to one?

What Is a Dispersal Order?

A dispersal order is a power granted to police under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

It allows officers to direct a person to leave a specific area and not return for up to 48 hours if they believe the person is likely to commit, or has committed, anti-social behaviour.

The power can be used against individuals or groups, even where no criminal offence has yet been committed.

The threshold is relatively low – officers need only form a “reasonable belief” that someone’s presence or conduct is likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to others in the locality.

Dispersal orders are temporary but wide-ranging.

They can be authorised by an inspector or higher-ranking officer and apply to clearly defined geographic zones.

In Manchester’s case, GMP officers can instruct anyone within the boundaries of Gorton, Abbey Hey, Didsbury, Withington, Chorlton, Urmston, Stretford or Flixton to leave the area immediately for up to two days.

Police Powers Under Section 35

Under the Act, officers can:

  • Order individuals to leave a designated area and not return for up to 48 hours;
  • Confiscate items linked to anti-social behaviour, such as alcohol or sound equipment;
  • Use reasonable force if someone refuses to comply with an instruction;
  • Arrest anyone who fails to leave the area or returns before the order expires.

The order does not require prior warning or evidence of criminal activity – it can be issued based on perceived risk.

While this flexibility allows police to respond quickly to disorder, it also raises important questions about proportionality and individual rights, particularly where a person has legitimate reasons for being in the area.

Legal Consequences for Breaching a Dispersal Order

Breaching a dispersal order is a criminal offence. Anyone who refuses to comply with an officer’s direction or re-enters the area before the order expires can be arrested and prosecuted. The maximum penalty for breaching a Section 35 order is:

  • A fine of up to £2,500; and/or
  • Imprisonment for up to three months.

Offenders may also face conditions attached to bail or community behaviour agreements, and repeat breaches can lead to more serious outcomes — including Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) or exclusion zones that last far beyond the initial 48-hour period.

Potential Defences and Legal Considerations

Every case involving dispersal powers must be assessed on its individual facts. Common issues include whether the officer had reasonable grounds to issue the order, whether the person understood the instruction, and whether they were genuinely given an opportunity to comply.

It may also be argued that the direction was disproportionate or that the accused had a legitimate reason for being present — such as employment, residence, or caring responsibilities within the exclusion area.

Officers must provide written notice of the order, including the precise boundaries, duration, and the reasons for issuing it. Failure to do so may affect the validity of the prosecution.

Defence solicitors frequently challenge the lawfulness of such orders, especially when they are used pre-emptively or appear to unfairly target certain groups or communities.

Why Legal Advice Is Essential

If you are issued with a dispersal notice or arrested for breaching one, it is essential to seek immediate legal advice.

Even though these powers are designed to maintain public order, they still carry criminal consequences and can lead to permanent records, community restrictions, and reputational harm.

At Morton’s Solicitors, we represent individuals facing allegations of anti-social behaviour, public order offences, and breaches of dispersal or exclusion orders. Our experienced criminal defence team provides:

  • 24-hour representation during police interviews;
  • Advice on the validity and scope of dispersal notices;
  • Defence preparation for court proceedings;
  • Mitigation where breaches arise from misunderstanding, confusion, or necessity.

As with all legal representation – engagement with a solicitor ensures that your rights are protected, that any procedural errors by the police are identified, and that you do not inadvertently admit to an offence during questioning.

How We Can Help

ortons Solicitors provide expert defence advice for anyone facing dispersal order breaches, anti-social behaviour allegations, or related criminal charges. Contact our team immediately for confidential assistance and 24-hour representation. Call us now on 0161 477 1121 or email us.