The dispersal zone which previously only covered the Loxford side of Ilford Lane, Ilford has been extended to include the Clementswood side as well.

The dispersal zone allows police to tell individuals to leave a certain area and is often used to target prostitution and anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Lee Wilkinson from Loxford Safer Neighbourhood Team said that Operation Clearlight would continue for the foreseeable future.

The operation tackles prostitution and anti-social behaviour and over the 23 nights it has been run has resulted in more than 40 arrests.

Mr Wilkinson said: “We have made arrests for a range of offences, it’s been quite a positive operation but we still accept there’s more work to do, we are keen to tackle it.”