A dispersal zone, which means police can move on groups of three or more people, came into force on Sunday.

The zone was previously covering roads around Ilford Lane, Ilford but now extends up to Ilford train station, Cranbrook Road, Ilford.

There was also a 48 hour operation to tackle kerb crawlers last week as police and the council continue to work to combat prostitution.

Officers targeted uninsured cars used to pick up prostitutes as part of the ongoing Operation Clear Light.

Det Supt Ellie O’Connor, of Redbridge Police, said: “We still have a long way to go to rid this from the streets of Redbridge.”