POLICE have taken urgent steps to combat anti-social behaviour in Barrow town centre.

A video showing a group of young men pulling plants out of display boxes along Portland Walk was shared across social media.

There is currently a dispersal order in place for 48 hours as police investigate the criminal damage to the plants and planters, there will be an increase in police patrols in the area.

Police are working to identify those responsible and encourage the public to report incidents.

 Officers said they received multiple reports of disturbance and damage in the town centre.

There were also reports of youths setting fires in Meadowlands Avenue and near Walney Fire Station.

Inspector Jo Smith from the Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We know the detrimental effect these incidents have on our communities and we are working with partner agencies to address and take robust action against those involved in this behaviour.

“We also need the support of parents of those who may be involved. With the summer holiday’s just beginning parents can support this by asking where their children are going, who with, and what they are doing.

“If you children are planning on going into the town centre this weekend please advise them not to, as there is a dispersal order in place until Saturday evening which gives police officers the power order those suspected of causing nuisance, or practicing anti-social behaviour, to leave.”

Barrow’s MP, Simon Fell said watching a video of young people vandalising planters on Portland Walk in broad daylight is “such a shame".

He said it is “completely unacceptable,” given the “huge time and effort” local shops, residents, and Barrow BID put in to make Portland Walk “look so good".

The MP said he hopes Police “hit the perpetrators with penalties and community service,” to let people know you will be “found, caught, and punished for such behaviour".

Ian Seel, Head of Prevention for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said that “deliberate incidents” take officers away from “real, life-threatening emergencies".

“I would urge anyone thinking of starting a fire in a public space to think twice. Your actions could be placing other lives at risk, as well as your own," he said.

People are advised to call 999 as soon as possible if they spot a fire in public.

Anyone with information regarding anti-social behaviour issues should contact police online via www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it , 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.