Update after second dispersal order ends in Ossett

Dispersal orders have been in place for the past two weekends following what police say were two racially aggravated assaults outside Ossett Town Hall.

The dispersal order – which ran from 4pm on Friday, October 30 until 4pm on Sunday, November 1 – gave police powers to exclude a person from an area for that period.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “There were no dispersals issued, but several young people were spoken to by Neighbourhood Policing Team officers.

“As their behaviour did not warrant a dispersal none were issued.

"We had a small number of incidents reported, and these are being investigated.”

The dispersal order covered Ossett Town Centre – including the bus station – Prospect Road, Queen Street, Dale Street and Ventnor Way.

It also covered Ossett Skate Park on Church Street, Station Road, Green Park and Southdale playing fields.

Individuals aged ten or over engaging in anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder can be asked to leave the designated area not only when an incident has happened, but also when police believe it is likely to happen.

It also means that a child aged under 16 can be removed to their home address or a place of safety.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence and can result in imprisonment and/or a fine.

A dispersal order was also in place in Ossett over the weekend of October 24 and 25.

Police said there were no calls no calls in connection with anti-social behaviour that weekend.

Police believe two assaults in Ossett town centre on Saturday, October 17 were racially motivated.

The assaults happened between 9.15pm and 10.15pm after a Hindu celebration event of Dussehra and Bathukamma at Ossett Town Hall.

A man was leaving the event when he was verbally abused and then struck on the back of the head, possibly by a bottle, causing a head injury.

A second man was also hit on the head, possibly by a bottle, and punched causing him to fall to the floor and injuring his face.

Police continue to appeal for information about a group of youths who were seen around the town hall during the evening, particularly those who were seen riding Sur-Rons or E-bikes at the time of the incident.

A number of residents raised concerns about youths causing anti-social behaviour in and around Ossett Town centre at Ossett and Gawthorpe Police and Communities Together meeting on October 20 at New Spring Church.

Anyone with information about the assaults in Ossett on October 17 are asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or go online via Live Chat on our website quoting log 13260592629.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.