A DISPERSAL order has been imposed in an area of Bradford after reports of youths fighting and a police car was damaged.

West Yorkshire Police's Bradford East team announced just after 4pm today that a dispersal order had been put in place for more than 24 hours, in the Thorpe Edge area.

It covers Hawthorn Drive, Bracken Edge, Parkland Drive and the blocks of high-rise flats on Fairhaven Green, as well as the streets that surround them.

Police have decided to enforce the order after increased reports of anti-social behaviour and disorder in the area.

Officers received several reports of youths gathering and causing a nuisance on Bracken Edge, on Tuesday evening.

There were also reports of the youths fighting.

Police turned up at the scene and while they were dealing with the disorder, a parked cop car was damaged.

Officers arrested a 16-year-old male on suspicion of a public order offence.

He has been released under investigation.

The dispersal order will last until 10pm on Thursday, September 17.

It gives officers the right to disperse and remove anyone under the age of 16 gathering in the covered areas.

Officers will then take them to their place of residence or a place of safety. 

Police can also direct individuals to surrender any relevant property.

The powers will be used to reduce the likelihood of the public in the locality being harassed, alarmed or distressed and to prevent the occurrence of crime and disorder.

Anyone with information on the disorder yesterday, or those involved in anti-social behaviour in the area, should contact the Bradford East NPT using the 101 online chat service or by calling 101.

If a crime is ongoing, or in an emergency, phone 999.