A dispersal order was put in place in an Essex town following concerns relating to a large car meet.

The supporters had congregated in Queensgate Retail Park, in Edinburgh Way, Harlow, and consisted of hundreds of vehicles.

Police say this led to concerns around anti-social behaviour and excessive noise levels.

To reduce the disruption, a dispersal order was put in place covering the whole town, taking in all retail parks and industrial sites.

The order was in place between 2.15am and 6am this morning, Sunday March 26.

It gave officers the power to direct people suspected of acting anti-socially to leave the area.

At this stage, several vehicles have been reported for process by the force's Roads Policing Unit.

Acting Inspector Matt Hughes said: “This order is about protecting our residents from noise and disruption and we do not take decisions such as this lightly.

“Officers are now in the process of dispersing the meet. Where additional legal action is appropriate in dealing with this incident, it will be taken.”