A DISPERSAL order has been put in place across the Uttlesford district following information relating to planned hare coursing there.

The order, which covers the entire district, is in place between 6am today (Saturday 4 March) and 8pm on Sunday (5 March).

Chief Inspector Ella Latham said: “We have reason to believe people are intending to attend to course hares as part of a national competition.

“These events have previously evolved into widespread disorder and we know hare coursing is often linked to violence and threats to anyone who tries to obstruct them.”

The order gives officers the power to direct anyone suspected of taking part in this activity to leave the area.