THREE 15-year-old boys have been arrested as police clampdown on groups of anti-social youths in Newport City centre.

Police issued a dispersal order in Newport city centre at the weekend, following complaints from traders and residents of anti-social behaviour problems.

Twenty-one youths who were behaving anti-socially were ordered to leave the area in the High Street.

Three 15-year-old boys were arrested for failing to comply with the dispersal order.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said they will all be referred to the Youth Offending Service for further action.

It comes after traders spoke of how groups had been making their lives a misery over recent weeks.

Windows are said to have been smashed, shop staff spat at, eggs thrown at taxis and elderly people intimidated by groups of youths, aged between around 12 and 20, over recent weeks.

Trouble has been reported in the evenings and at weekends, particularly on Sundays.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said they will all be referred to the Youth Offending Service for further action. It comes after traders spoke of how groups had been making their lives a misery over recent weeks.

Newport council leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox said she shared their concerns.

“We are working with our One Newport partners, the city’s public services board which includes Gwent Police, to deliver effective interventions to divert these youngsters away from such behaviour,” she said.

“However a zero tolerance approach is needed if we want to help these youngsters see that this type of behaviour is unacceptable and protect both traders and visitors to the city.”

Any issues with anti-social behaviour can be reported to police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. To report to Crimestoppers anonymously call 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.