Police Clamp Down on Youth Disorder as Two Hartlepool Areas Hit With Dispersal Orders...
Youth Disorder Spreads Across Hartlepool as Police Introduce Second Dispersal Order
3rd October 2026
Two separate dispersal orders have been imposed across Hartlepool after police reported escalating problems involving youth antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and fireworks being thrown towards homes and a care facility.
Cleveland Police confirmed that the orders came into force from 3pm on Saturday 3rd October, covering areas around both Bishop Cuthbert Park and Rossmere Park.
The move follows a series of reports involving groups of young people gathering in parks and residential areas, with police saying the behaviour has left some residents feeling intimidated and concerned for their safety.
One of the most serious incidents occurred around Bishop Cuthbert Park on Friday night, when officers were called following reports that a large number of youngsters had gathered for what police described as an apparently pre-planned fight.
Many of those present dispersed when officers arrived, although police said smaller groups remained in the area and further antisocial behaviour followed.
According to Cleveland Police, fireworks were subsequently launched towards residential properties and also in the direction of a nearby care home.
Hartlepool Neighbourhoods Inspector Adrian Dack described the incidents as "completely unacceptable", saying concerns had been raised about the risks posed to residents — particularly vulnerable people living within the care setting.
Police have now introduced a 48-hour dispersal order covering an extensive area surrounding Bishop Cuthbert Park.
The designated zone includes Hart Road, Easington Road, Throston Grange Lane, Falcon Road, Goldfinch Road, Bluebell Way, Primrose Road and Merlin Way before returning towards Hart Road.
Under dispersal powers, officers can require people involved in antisocial behaviour to leave the designated area. Anyone directed to leave who then returns within the period specified by the order may face arrest.
Inspector Dack also appealed directly to parents and carers to make sure they know where their children are spending their evenings and what they are doing.
Second order introduced around Rossmere Park
Just hours later, Cleveland Police confirmed that a second dispersal order had also been imposed around Rossmere Park following further reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage.
Police say groups of young people have been gathering in and around the park, with allegations of noise, disorder, graffiti and damage to public and community facilities.
The second order covers an area bounded by Owton Manor Lane, Catcote Road, Brierton Lane and Stockton Road.
Inspector Dack said ongoing nuisance and damage was preventing other residents from peacefully enjoying Hartlepool's parks.
Police say officers are working alongside Hartlepool Borough Council and local communities to tackle the problems through a combination of engagement, targeted intervention and enforcement.
High-visibility patrols are also being carried out, while officers are engaging with young people considered to be at risk of becoming involved in antisocial behaviour.
Two parts of Hartlepool affected on the same day
The introduction of two separate dispersal zones on the same afternoon underlines the scale of the problems currently being dealt with by neighbourhood officers across different parts of Hartlepool, with Cleveland Police saying the purpose of the orders is ultimately to ensure that residents who want to use Hartlepool's parks and public spaces peacefully are able to do so without intimidation, disorder or criminal damage.
