The Mayor of Devizes, Peter Corbett, has backed the introduction of a Section 35 Dispersal Order in the town centre.

Police announced on Thursday that the order would be in place until Saturday 19 November due to several reported incidents of disorder.

This included a reported incident that afternoon in which 20 people were involved in fighting and one male was treated at hospital for his injuries.

The Section 35 Order gives police and police community support officers the power to exclude individuals from an area for up to 48 hours with the authority of an inspector.

Cllr Corbett has now welcomed the measure. Speaking in The Shambles, just yards away from Thursday’s brawl, he said: “I think it’s needed.

“Some people have been intimidated by what has been happening in the Market Place and there have been some very unfortunate incidents”.

He also indicated that he would agree with the police seeking a more permanent dispersal order.

He added: “I know a more permanent one has been applied for.

“We’re very grateful for the police support and what they’re doing about it.

“We have regular meetings with the police and we always find them very supportive and this is just another of their initiatives which is helping us to support the town and support the residents.”

The incident on Thursday occurred near the Greggs on Market Place, which is currently being refurbished, and was heard by a number of local residents and workers.

One witness, who works at the Condado Lounge cafe, said: “None of us really saw anything, there was just a huge congregation of kids.

“Then it all kicked off and they ran away. There were about four police cars there.”

A Superdrug employee added that they could hear screaming but that they were busy serving customers and did not see what happened.

The fight is believed to be linked to a previous incident of disorder the day before.

Police were at the Market Place on Wednesday and arrested two people for Actual Bodily Harm, while one person was taken to hospital with head injuries.

In a Facebook post, police added: “We would like to reassure the Community that Wiltshire Police are robustly addressing this issue.

“Extra patrols are being made and the teams are working closely with partner agencies to tackle those involved.

“We will not tolerate this behaviour and we take a zero-tolerance approach to these offences.

“Positive arrests will be made if evidence allows and we will look to prosecute those identified.”