Police have arrested a number of people this weekend following the introduction of a county-wide dispersal order.

Hampshire Constabulary brought in the Section 35 order at midday on Friday, June 18, which ran until Sunday, June 20. The powers were brought in to combat trap racing planned for the A33 near Micheldever.

Two traps were seized in the area, while three individuals were told to leave the area, but police said "no racing or associated criminality has taken place."

Chief Superintendent Paul Bartolomeo said: "We are grateful to the community for their support, as well as our partners who helped in the careful management of this operation.

"We’re pleased the operation has been carried out without any disruption to the road network in Hampshire, which is the best possible outcome for the local community.

“However, please be reassured that this does not mean that we are in any way being complacent.

“This situation will be monitored longer term, and we will continue to gather intelligence and work with the community moving forward. This is to ensure that we can prevent any potential future disruption to the road network in Hampshire, and robustly deal with any identified offences.”

In addition to trap racing, a number of individuals were identified for other offences, including one drug offence, three drink drivers, the capture of a wanted man and five uninsured vehicles seized.

The powers have been used in an attempt to prevent a repeat of events at the start of May, when parts of the A33 near Micheldever were closed for two days as unauthorised horse and trap racing took place on the road.

Police faced criticism for their decision not to disperse those taking part, which they defended by saying it was safer to allow it to go ahead rather than attempt a shutdown.

Those taking part had planned to return, with one event broken up on May 31, and the planned event for this weekend the target of this latest order.

Failure to comply with the Section 35 dispersal order, or not surrendering an object, is an offence which can lead to imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to £2,500.