ISLE of Wight Police are are seeking to disperse a "large gathering of young people" in Shanklin this evening (Friday).

Officers say they are aware of the gathering and have thanked the public for their calls.

A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police said: "While the public health restrictions have significantly eased, gatherings of more than six — unless all members of the group are part of the same household ­— are not permitted.

"The South Wight team supported by C Shift are in the area, and will be seeking to disperse this group.

"If your children are not at home with you this evening, ask yourselves where they are, and if they are in his group please encourage them to return home.

"In order to ensure the staff on the ground have the best tools to deal with this issue, we have authorised the use of Section 35 of the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing act from 8.20pm this evening for a period of 12 hours.

"Use of this power is authorised within the area shown by the black line on the attached map.

"Police Officers and PCSOs can disperse persons found within the area marked on the map, who are contributing or likely to contribute to causing other members of the public harassment, alarm or distress, or crime and disorder."