A YOUNGSTER has been arrested over possession of a bladed article as police dealt with “large groups of youths being involved in antisocial behaviour”.

Officers said the group of children in Southwick were aged between 13 and 16 years old and had “caused annoyance and harassment to local residents” last night.

To stop further incidents, a section 34 dispersal order has been issued in an area of Southwick town centre, including Southwick Green.

An Adur and Worthing Police spokesman said: “We would ask that parents speak to their children and remind them that, to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus, they shouldn’t be meeting in large groups.

“Two youths aged 14 and 15 have been arrested, one for possession of a bladed article, the other for obstruction of a Police Constable.”

The dispersal order will remain in place for 24 hours.