Police have been given extra powers around Crystal Palace Park following reports that there are likely going to be large numbers of children attending the park and engaging in disruptive activities.

Inspector Baker authorised the order and will come into effect at 2pm today (September 26).

It will remain active until 8pm.

The affected area includes Crystal Palace and Anerley Ward, as outlined on a map shared by the authorities.

The decision was made after police received information from schools in Lewisham, alerting them that children are likely to be at Crystal Palace Park and engaging in activities which can cause harassment, alarm and distress to local park users and residents who live around the park.

Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives a Police Constable and a Police Community Support Officer in uniform the power to exclude a person from an area for up to 48 hours with an Inspector's authority.

These powers can be used not only when incidents have already happened or are happening but also when there is a likelihood that they might occur.

Croydon Police wrote on X: “Section 35 Dispersal Zone Authorised - Inspector Baker.

“Start 14:00hrs on 27/09/2024 to 20:00hrs 27/09/2024.

“The boundary is Crystal Palace and Anerley Ward as defined by the map.

“Information has been received from schools in Lewisham, that there is the likelihood of large numbers of children attending Crystal Palace Park and engaging in activities which are likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to local park users and residents in and around the environs of the park.”