Police create emergency dispersal zone at Harborough park after ongoing violence and anti-social behaviour - including a bare-knuckle fight which up to 100 people gathered to watch

Terrified locals living near a park in Market Harborough are demanding police step up action to tackle criminal and anti-social behaviour which has blighted the area in the last few weeks.

The residents say Little Bowden Recreation Ground, off Northampton Road, has become a no go area at night as large groups have wreaked havoc during late night parties.

Several violent incidents have been reported to police including a fight which up to 100 people gathered to watch.

Complaints of illegal drug use, heavy drinking and damage to properties backing onto the park have also been made, with one resident saying the back of her house has been used as a public toilet.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said incidents at the park have been getting progressively worse for a number of weeks, adding: “We get it. Lockdown has been hard on people, especially youngsters, but there are absolutely no excuses for lawlessness.

“A few of the residents have been threatened as they’ve walked across the park. The noise from these mass gatherings is keeping people awake into the early hours and the litter that’s left behind is shocking too.

“Friday night was by far the worst we’ve ever seen, there was a bare-knuckle fight on the park with around one hundred people gathered to watch it. The police need to do more to make the area safe.”

Leicestershire Police say they have created a 36-hour emergency dispersal zone from Saturday evening following a serious incident on the park.

People committing anti-social behaviour will be arrested if they fail to leave the area when asked to. The dispersal zone covers the park and spans from Scotland Road to the foot of Kettering Road.

Many residents now want to see the zone established for the remainder of the summer to prevent future incidents occurring. Commenting on local social media to discuss their concerns, others have suggested the park would benefit from CCTV and increased police patrols.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien said: “A large number of people have contacted me about this – it sounds terrible. I am in touch with the police about this to see what can be done to solve this.”