Police have announced a dispersal zone across most of Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington - and through to Kingston - this weekend amid fears of violence.

Last weekend, large crowds of teens and young adults from across London gathered around Richmond Green and the town centre.

There was widespread evidence of violence, including attacks on the police, drunkenness, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Images were posted on social media of huge numbers of teens outside the McDonald's outlet near the station.

A Section 35 dispersal has been authorised by Richmond Police, beginning at 4pm today – Friday - and running through until 7am on Sunday morning.

The scope of the dispersal zone wraps in most of the borough, including green spaces and Bushy Park, and even extends to Kingston town centre.

Explaining the decision, Richmond Police said that last Friday, "A gathering resulted in multiple arrests, assault on police, damage to property at Richmond McDonalds and anti-social behaviour."

They said the very large area involved is 'based on the history of crowds of people gathering in last few months arranged through social media'.

The order gives the police and designated individuals the power to order people to leave an area, under a threat of arrest if they fail to comply.

The police added that when the dispersal order is in place, it is an offence to fail to comply with a direction given by a police officer or PCSO to disperse; fail to surrender items likely to cause ASB; or return within a specified period.

Kingston town centre is included as this has previously been a site of anti-social behaviour from these groups.

Richmond Council recently announced that its Safe Space initiative, which involves council officers, the police and volunteers, is to be extended.

The scheme is designed to offer help, reassurance and a refuge to those worried about their safety in Richmond town centre.

Just a few weeks ago, police launched an investigation into allegations of a serious sexual assault on a 17 year-old female, which took place on the Little Green, near Richmond Theatre.

The Safe Space scheme operates from a marquee that is outside Richmond rail station and runs from 9pm to 1am on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Council said: "As the marquee has garnered a significant positive response from the public as well as several successful police interventions, it will continue to serve residents this autumn."

Launched by Richmond Council and staffed by Community Police, British Transport Police, council workers, Street Pastors and volunteers, the marquee can give support to anyone out during the evening who may be feeling vulnerable.

The police are on hand to intervene where necessary and visitors are also able to find information on White Ribbon, domestic abuse services and the Railway Guardian app.