Anti-social cart riding stopped by dispersal order

A dispersal order was used across for the entire borough in Elmbridge to tackle anti-social behaviour by a large group using pony and traps.

Officers were first called to Esher at about 13:30 BST on Saturday following reports of about 50 people using the vehicles.

The group grew to about 150 people and moved to other locations, including Hampton Court, Bushy Park, Molesey, Hersham, Sunbury-on-Thames and Walton, Surrey Police said.

The incident is being investigated with officers appealing for witnesses, especially those with CCTV or dashcam footage.

Ch Sup Aimee Ramm a dispersal order was put in place for the entire borough of Elmbridge from 15:55 on Saturday until 15:55 on Sunday.

"Numerous officers were swiftly deployed to the scene and several roads were closed to restrict the movement of the group," she said.

"Due to the large numbers involved, officers prioritised dealing with the immediate disorder, but I would like to stress that our enquiries into related reports of criminal behaviour are being thoroughly investigated as a matter of urgency."

Several roads were also closed to restrict the movement of the group, police added.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the force.

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