YOUNG people who behave badly at playing fields in Dorchester will get their marching orders from police.

The warning follows an increase in anti-social behaviour outside Sandringham Sports Centre and at the St Osmund's Sports Centre playing fields in the past few days.

PCSO Dave Marsh said: "We're getting an increase of young people gathering in these areas during the evening.

"We appreciate that with the lighter evenings people are out and about enjoying themselves but there have been a number of occasions when their enjoyment turns into problems for others."

He said half term had seen an escalation in problems and complaints as young people aged from their early teens until well into their 20s met up in groups of 10 or more.

During the early hours of one night last week three youths set fire to newspapers close to buildings.

PCSO Marsh said the incident was recorded on CCTV and police were studying the pictures. It was not thought to be a deliberate arson attempt.

PCSO Marsh said the incidents also included graffiti, under-age drinking and nuisance behaviour including noise.

He said officers in the Dorchester South Safer Neighbourhood teams would make extra patrols of the area and use powers including section 27 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 that could ban problem individuals from the area for 48 hours.

He said: "One of the aims of the team is to tackle and reduce this problem.

"It was a bit of a problem there last summer and we want to deal with this now before it gets any worse.

"These youngsters probably think it's just some fun but residents in that area feel concerned and intimidated.

"The young people don't always realise the effect of their behaviour on other people."

He added: "Residents who live near a playing field expect some noise but not like this."

PC Jim Crocker said under section 27 a person could be arrested if they returned to the area within 48 hours.

He said: "Police officers and police community support officers will also confiscate any alcohol from under age people and their details will be taken and recorded.

"Also in some instances we will return young people to their home address."

The team is urging parents to be sure they know where their children are in the evenings and for people to contact them on 01305 222222 when problems occur.