From July 9 officers will have the authority to disperse gangs causing a nuisance.

Police have been given powers to break up groups of street drinkers in the ongoing battle against anti-social behaviour in the Tottenham Green area.

From July 9 officers will have the authority to disperse gangs causing a nuisance to members of the public or using threatening behaviour.

The dispersal order, issued by Haringey Police, will also allow officers to arrest anyone returning to the area within 24 hours when forbidden to do so, and escort under-16’s home after 9pm if not accompanied by an adult.

The news will come as a relief to long-suffering residents who have complained of troublemakers urinating in alleyways and littering their gardens.

The order covers the area east of Tottenham High Road up to Avenue Road, stretching to Clyde Road in the north and Roslyn Road in the south.