Yobs 'defecating and urinating in the streets' near Seaham's iconic Tommy statue

Durham Police announced on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, that a 24-hour dispersal order has been introduced so that officers have the power to arrest anyone who refuses to leave the area.

The force say large groups have been gathering on the green around the Tommy statue to drink and socialise.

A statement adds: “Large amounts of litter have been left by the crowds, with some even defecating and urinating in the streets.

“To tackle the issues, a dispersal order will be in place for the next 24 hours.

“The order gives officers the power to disperse anyone causing problems.

“People who fail to leave the area when directed to by officers can also be arrested.”

The dispersal order covers North Terrace from the junction with Tempest Road to the roundabout, including Back North Terrace and the Tommy car park.

It also includes the clifftop grassed area behind the car park barriers.

Neighbourhood inspector Joanne Malkin said: “The behaviour we have seen recently is completely unacceptable.

“There have been a number of large groups congregating, drinking alcohol and causing antisocial behaviour, which is disruptive to the residents who live here.

“I would urge people not to gather in large groups. If you are going to visit the area, please be respectful to residents, take your litter home and refrain from using the street as a toilet.”

Ray Lonsdale’s steel statue of a Great War soldier is situated close to Seaham’s war memorial and was unveiled in 2014.

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