POLICE broke up a large gathering in Broadgreen last night.

A dispersal order was put in place by police after around 50 people congregated in Manchester Road at 7.30pm. It was lifted at 2am.

Wiltshire Police warned against such gatherings – banned because of Covid-19 restrictions – and said the Broadgreen area is a priority location as it looks to tackle anti-social behaviour. 

Insp Al Lumley, from Swindon Community Policing Team, said: “We responded to reports of a large gathering of around 50 people in Manchester Road last night (26/07) shortly after 7.30pm.

“A Section 35 dispersal order was put in place to move people on and remained in place until 2am.

“We take large gatherings like this seriously and I’d urge the public to remember that they increase the risk of spreading Covid-19 and to think about the impact they have on the local community.

“The Broadgreen area is a local priority for us in a bid to tackle the ongoing anti-social behaviour that the community has endured.

“We have been consulting with the residents and our partners to fully understand the issues this area faces in an effort to reduce harm and improve the lives of the local community.

“Events such as this are completely unacceptable and I would ask that those that attended to consider the wider implications of their actions.”