A DISPERSAL order was put in place across Harlow and Epping Forest following fears over a planned car meet.

Police said they have received a number of calls relating to car meets in Loughton consisting of between 150 and 200 vehicles.

They added they have had reports of smaller car meets in Abridge and Chigwell.

This Is Local London: Dispersal - The area covered by the imposed dispersal orderDispersal - The area covered by the imposed dispersal order (Image: Essex Police)

Having commenced at midnight, the order will remain place until 9pm on Sunday, September 24.

The order gives officers the power to instruct anyone suspected of causing antisocial behaviour to leave the area and not return within 48 hours. 

A spokesman from Essex Police said: "The events are causing disruption in the areas and, in order to reduce the risk of further anti-social behaviour in the areas, a dispersal order has been put in place.

"It covers the areas shown in the two maps and is defined as the whole of Harlow and Epping Forest District, including the towns of Harlow, Epping, Ongar, Loughton, and the surrounding villages within these specified areas."

It includes includes River Way, Church Langley, Old Harlow, and Harlow Town Centre, as well as Epping, Ongar, Loughton, and the surrounding villages.