Gangs of yobs who threaten and intimidate people will be targeted in a new crackdown.

A dispersal order giving the police powers to move on gangs and ban them from the city centre is to be extended.

It was imposed in February following reports of assaults, spitting and swearing by about 30 youths around Churchill Square shopping centre in Brighton. Some 40 yobs were cleared from the streets in the ensuing three weeks.

Officers took 24 children home to their parents and seized alcohol from dozens of underage drinkers.

One youth was arrested for refusing to co-operate and another was taken into custody for breaching his anti-social behaviour order.

Police are extending the order because of similar problems in Marine Parade and the seafront esplanade up to Dukes Mound.

The extended order will come into force on Monday for six months.

Police and special constables will be able to disperse groups where their presence or behaviour has resulted or is likely to result in members of the public being harassed, intimidated, alarmed or distressed.

Offenders can be excluded from the area for up to 24 hours and children can be taken home after 9pm.

Police insisted this was a discretionary power and not a curfew.

The move has been backed by Brighton and Hove City Council and local businesses.

Superintendent Kevin Moore said: "We have received positive feedback from the Churchill Square businesses and also from parents whose children have been returned home.

"However, the work will continue to tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

"The original order centring on Churchill Square has seen a major reduction in the number of trouble-making youths congregating.

"Dozens were dispersed from the area and officers took several children home.

"I want to reassure people the order will have no adverse impact on anyone in the town centre for legitimate reasons.

"People have the right to feel safe in their communities. It is unacceptable for people to be afraid to use public spaces because they feel threatened by groups of people.

"Parents should know where their children are and what they are doing. If they do not, they should find out before an officer tells them their child has been caught contravening the order.

"For those who persistently contravene the order in the locality, antisocial behaviour contracts and orders will be sought."

Ken Bodfish, leader of the council, said he fully supported the move.

He said: "The police must have full powers available to them and I am confident they will use them with discretion, as they have already shown at Churchill Square.

"I think the public is totally behind them.

"No part of the city should be a no-go area for ordinary people going about their lawful business."